USDA Rural Development State Director Collen Landkamer and USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, alongside local, state and federal officials, today visited Jackson County to celebrate the commencement of phase one of two, to expand Red Rock Rural Water System’s (RRRWS) existing water system to residents throughout Jackson and Martin counties.
Total project funding will be a combination of $9,125,000 in loan and grant dollars through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program in addition to RRRWS membership fees.
“Infrastructure investments are critical to the health and safety of our rural communities,” Landkamer said. “Not only do projects like these address the impact of climate change on our water supplies, but will ensure that rural individuals and families have access to clean, safe water for years to come.”
RRRWS plans to expand service into the southern areas of Jackson and Martin Counties where many individuals and families are currently using private wells or having to haul water to their homes. As a result of high mineral content, much of the water coming from these private wells is of poor quality that cannot be treated adequately with a home treatment system, causing many of these people to purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.
“The need of good quality drinking water for this area has been established through the commitment of its residents and businesses,” said Dominic Jones, RRRWS Manager. “It will be a pleasure to work with the community and USDA to complete this long awaited project.”
Upon completion of the first phase of this project, service will be expanded to approximately 124 additional customers in the southern rural communities of Jackson County. Additional rural customers in Martin County have already started signing up to receive service during phase two.
USDA Rural Development has invested over $306.8 million throughout Minnesota since 2009 to improve drinking water and wastewater treatment. Rural Development also finances housing, businesses, community facilities and other projects in rural areas. To learn more, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn, or call the local office in Marshall at (507) 532-3234, ext. 4.