SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 12, 2024 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utah State Director, Michele Weaver announced that USDA is investing $1.7 million in rural and Tribal communities across Utah to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water and address solid waste management in rural communities.
“These investments are a lifeline for the health and safety of our rural residents and provide for proper and sustainable management of water and waste disposal systems," Weaver said. "Rural Utah contains some of the most beautiful and remote Tribal lands and rural communities in the country. These resources benefit the communities and support the millions of visitors that enjoy our great state.”
Four projects in Utah are receiving funds to build or improve rural water systems and support solid waste management:
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, White Mesa community will use a $474,673 Water and Waste Disposal Grant to repair their failing water distribution system. The project will replace failing, leaky lines, close off the dead-end lines, and repair the damaged well to improve water flow and provide reliable drinking water.
Kanosh Town is receiving $800,000 in loan and grant to complete a well and wellhouse project, which will provide a reliable source of drinking water. Previous sources were drastically reduced due to years of drought.
Park City Conservation Association will use a $17,000 Solid Waste Management Grant to increase their education and outreach programs to Coalville’s City Conservation District. Funds will be used to expand the Green Business Program, provide education and awareness to the local school district and establish remote recycling bins.
The Solid Waste Training Institute received a $451,000 Solid Waste Management Grant to provide technical assistance to rural communities in a multi-state region to address specific local needs including training in landfill personnel training and institutional sustainability
These investments are made through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs, which help rural communities obtain technical assistance and funding to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems.
Today’s announcement is included in a national release, in which USDA is highlighting the investment of $6.3 billion in more than 200 projects in rural and Tribal communities across 44 states to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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 healthcare; 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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ut.
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