USDA Rural Development Area Director John Perkins announced funding today for the City of Balmorhea.
“Rural Development is pleased to offer funding to the City of Balmorhea,” said USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Daniel Torres. “These funds can assist communities in identifying any alternatives available to correct water quality problems that impact families and businesses in rural Texas communities.”
USDA Rural Development has approved a Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) grant in the amount of $30,000 to the City of Balmorhea. Rural Development funds will be used to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Report to address the City’s high water loss throughout its system. The report will also address possible alternatives for additional sources of water since their groundwater level has fallen. The City of Balmorhea has a population of 479.
USDA Rural Development’s SEARCH grants help very small, financially-distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design assistance, and technical assistance on proposed water waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include most state and local governmental entities, non-profits, and federally-recognized Tribes.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.