Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is investing $192 million in 71 projects located across 29 states to improve rural water infrastructure, including two projects in Washington State.
“President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue were very clear when they directed Rural Development to identify and meet rural water needs as a foundational pillar in improving rural infrastructure,” Baxley said. “Safe and reliable water infrastructure is critical to the health, safety and economic vitality of rural America. Without access to safe water and functional wastewater treatment, sustainable growth in rural areas is not possible.”
USDA is making the $192 million investment through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural communities, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
Here are the two investments in Washington State announced today:
- The City of White Salmon in Klickitat County will receive $3.1 million to improve the water system hydraulics and provide sufficient fire flow to Skyline Hospital and adjacent areas, benefiting 2,552 rural residents. These improvements will reduce system pressures, making the system more manageable and at a safer level. The project also includes providing more dependable water service by installing new water main pipes and valves.
- The City of Kittitas in Kittitas County will receive over $1.4 million to repace deteriorating water lines. The replacements will take place in conjunction with road repaving, benefiting the city's 1,450 residents.
Congress appropriated $2.9 billion for USDA Water and Environmental Program loans and grants in fiscal year 2019. USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks.
View the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one the USDA Rural Development Washington state or field offices for application or eligibility information.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov