WHY, Ariz., Oct. 31, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Arizona State Director Charlene Fernandez today announced that Rural Development is awarding approximately $6.2 million to Why Domestic Water Improvement District through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to build a new well and water treatment system to increase water production for residents.
“No matter your location, your zip code, or your capacity to apply for grants and loans, the Biden-Harris Administration has made you a priority,” said State Director Charlene Fernandez. “We have committed outreach efforts to Arizona’s underserved communities – reaching for equitable access to federal level assistance. The Colonia funding utilized today will provide safe, reliable water services for generations to come.”
Within Why’s current water system, two wells have collapsed, leaving the community with only one operable well. In addition, testing has shown elevated levels of arsenic and does not meet safe drinking standards. The new treatment system will address these conditions and restore safe drinking water to the community.
Why is considered a Colonias community and is eligible for USDA’s Colonias-specific funding, provided through its Water and Environmental Programs. This funding aims to target rural areas within the US-Mexico border region that lack adequate water, sewer, or decent housing, or a combination of all three.
Earlier this month, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced approximately $21.6 million to Yuma County through Water and Waste Disposal Colonias Grant funding.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, tribal, and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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