SOMERTON, Ariz. (Oct. 18, 2024) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA Rural Development is awarding approximately $21.6 million to Yuma County through the Waste and Water Disposal Loan and Grant Program to install a wastewater collection system and associated components to more than 300 homes in the Orange Grove and Rancho Mesa Verde subdivisions.
"No matter where you live in our country, you should be able to count on safe water and wastewater systems," said USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small. "The Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on that promise, providing rural water infrastructure to communities like those in Yuma County. That's why I'm proud to announce this new $21.6 million investment in Yuma County to improve a wastewater collection system and ensure residents get the service they deserve."
The two subdivisions in Yuma County currently have no public wastewater service, and individual septic tanks have far exceeded their life expectancy, presenting a risk to groundwater quality and the health and safety of residents. This investment will allow the communities to connect to Somerton city services, protecting the environment and presenting opportunities for future growth.
The Orange Grove and Rancho Mesa Verde subdivisions are considered Colonias communities and are eligible for USDA’s Colonias-specific funding, provided through its Water and Environmental Programs. This funding aims to target rural areas within the US-Mexico border region that lack adequate water, sewer, or decent housing, or a combination of all three.
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 health care; 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. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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