USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel announced today that Wiscasset Water District has been selected to receive a total of $4.35 million for major infrastructure upgrades.
USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “This important project will ensure over a thousand Maine residents have access to the most basic human necessity- clean, safe drinking water. I am pleased that USDA Rural Development can assist the impacted communities in maintaining their quality of life through investing in properly working infrastructure.”
The $4.35 million announced today consists of a Water and Waste Disposal Loan in the amount of $3.2 million, and Grant in the amount of $1.15 million to rehabilitate upwards of 13,000 linear feet of deteriorating water mains in the greater downtown section of Wiscasset. These water lines are approximately 100 years old and in poor condition, which can cause decreased water quality, unreliable distribution, and poor hydraulics. The advanced age of the pipes also makes them susceptible to water main breaks, which can be costly to repair.
The Wiscasset Water District serves Wiscasset, Woolwich, and a small part of Edgecomb (specifically Davis Island) and this project will serve a population of 1,361 residential, municipal, and light commercial users. The water distribution system consists of approximately 23 miles of water mains ranging in size from two to twelve inches wide, and water is supplied from Nequasset Lake in Woolwich.
USDA Rural Development has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 54 employees working to deliver the agency’s Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/me.