U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe has announced that USDA is investing $135 million in 49 projects to improve rural water infrastructure in 24 states.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to partner with rural communities to address their current and long-term water needs,” Rupe said. “Modernizing water infrastructure will yield key health benefits and help spur economic growth – making rural places even more attractive to live and work.”
In Nevada, Storey County projects will receive about $2.5 million in funding. About $1.4 million in Rural Utilities WEP loan and grant funds will allow Storey County to replace two hillside water tanks that had deteriorated and need replacement. Two new 500,000- gallon water tanks will provide water to 729 homes in the Virginia City area, benefiting 855 residents and the many travelers that visit Storey County annually.
The community of Gold Hill will receive a little over $1 million in loan and grant funds to construct a wastewater treatment plant and replace a failing community septic system that serves a community of 572 people. The new package treatment plant will improve wastewater treatment and eliminate potential health hazards.
Congress appropriated $2.9 billion for USDA Water and Environmental Program loans and grants in fiscal year 2019. Rural cities and towns, water districts and other eligible organizations in communities with 10,000 or fewer residents, can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste water treatment and disposal systems.
To learn more about the WEP program in Nevada contact Community Programs Director Cheryl Couch at (775) 443-4760 or at cheryl.couch@usda.gov or visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv