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USDA Awards City of Perry Funding to Improve Wastewater Infrastructure

Name
Lindsay Cheek
City
COLUMBIA
Release Date

   COLUMBIA, Mo., Nov. 19, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Missouri State Director Jeff Case today announced USDA is investing over $2.75 million to improve the city of Perry’s wastewater treatment facility. 

   “Modern water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the vitality and prosperity of rural communities like Perry,” said Case.  “USDA Rural Development is pleased to partner with the city to make necessary improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment and collection system.  I commend city officials for making the system safer and more reliable for the residents and businesses in the city of Perry.”

   The city of Perry will use a $1,348,000 loan and $1,409,000 grant to upgrade the city's wastewater treatment facility. The system, originally constructed in the 1960s, is in need of upgrades to meet ammonia limits set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. This project will help to correct this issue by making improvements to the lagoon treatment system and the existing collection system. In addition, the project includes installation of new sewer mains along Route 154 east towards Highway 19, allowing the city to serve additional customers.  

   Today’s announcement is in coordination with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy’s announcement that the department is investing $635 million in 122 projects to improve water systems and wastewater handling services in rural communities in 42 states.

   “This funding brings modern, reliable infrastructure to rural communities. It replaces old, fragile, leaking water pipes with new ones, and allows upgrades to water handling systems that are decades old, boosting water pressure and cutting water losses.  Working with our partners, these investments create jobs and improves public health and safety,” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

   USDA is funding the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.  Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts. The funds can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities that meet population limits. 

   View the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one of USDA Rural Development’s local offices  for application or eligibility information.

   In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

   To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

   USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

   Contact USDA Rural Development 

   Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/mo or by calling (573) 876-0976. 

   USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri.  Office locations include a State Office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.

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