Major Upgrade of Wastewater Treatment Facility to Begin
BANGOR, Maine, October 2, 2024 – USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson today announced that USDA is awarding a $2.1M grant to the Winterport Water District. The agency also will provide a $1.1M loan to the District. Nationwide, USDA is investing $443 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal, and storm water drainage for people in 24 states.
“Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have taken action to create good-paying jobs by making sure every rural community can benefit from safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment,” said Director Hampson. “This project will alleviate potential health risks for Winterport and Penobscot Bay residents while helping to safeguard the environment. In the face of climate change, strong water infrastructure is even more critical to building resilient rural communities and maintaining strong local economies.”
This grant and loan from USDA Rural Development will help complete the funding plan for major work to upgrade the Winterport Water District’s wastewater treatment facility. The agency had previously awarded a $6.25M grant and $1.5M loan for the project. The Winterport plant has been using a primary wastewater treatment process that does not meet modern standards. Given the facility’s vital need for upgrades and proximity to the Penobscot Bay, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection joined local leaders, Rural Development, and others to prioritize and fund this major upgrade.
Constructed more than 40 years ago, the wastewater treatment facility has been using a primary treatment process. This project will add a second purification process for residential wastewater, using biological agents to remove pollutants. Once the long-term work is complete, the facility will remove most pollutants from treated wastewater before releasing water into the river. The result will be a significant reduction in potential pollution, human health risks, and environmental impacts. The work will bring the WWD into compliance with national standards and reinforce its commitment to “a strong environmental stewardship with the residents of Winterport to protect our valuable water resources,” (winterportmaine.org/).
Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program in Maine serves communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. State and local governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes may be eligible. Applications are accepted year-round. Visit www.rd.usda.gov/me (look under “Key Programs”) or contact Bob Nadeau, Community Programs Director (robert.nadeau@usda.gov or 207-990-9121) for more information.
Background:
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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 healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
Currently USDA is accepting applications through the Solid Waste Management Grants program and the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants program. These programs are examples of the many ways USDA promotes healthy communities and environments. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.
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