USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Randy Parker today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $693,000 in water infrastructure improvements for the town of Central Valley, Utah.
“Without reliable, functioning water systems, our cities and towns wouldn’t have the ability to grow even if they felt ready to,” Parker said. “USDA knows that infrastructure is essential to prosperity and we look forward to watching the development of this investment in Central Valley.”
Central Valley Town will use this Rural Development loan and grant to redevelop their source water springs and make other water system improvements. A 2017 preliminary engineering report (also funded by Rural Development) confirmed contamination in the town springs as well as a significant loss in water flow, exposing the community to contaminants. The improvements should remedy these problems and improve the safety of this town, which has a population of fewer than 600 residents.
Today USDA announced a total investment of $256 million in 81 projects to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 35 states. Loans and grants are being awarded through USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. The funds can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
The recently enacted Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Omnibus spending bill includes a significant boost in financial support for water and wastewater projects. It provides $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants, up from $1.2 billion in FY 2017. It also directs Agriculture Secretary Perdue to make investments in rural communities with the greatest infrastructure needs.
In addition to funding in the 2018 Omnibus bill, President Trump has proposed a $200 billion infrastructure investment that allocates 25 percent ($50 billion) to rural projects.
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 services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.