CARSON CITY, Nev., Dec. 12, 2023—Today, USDA Rural Development Nevada State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad celebrated the ribbon cutting for a $2.9 million combined loan and grant commitment towards water and wastewater system improvements for the Hungry Valley Colony of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. The investment funded the construction of a new 100,00-gallon water tank and repairs to the existing water tank as well as a new wastewater treatment plant liner and other water and wastewater improvements.
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Chairman Arlan D. Melendez was also in attendance, sharing remarks at the ribbon cutting and receiving commemorative certificates from the offices of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Senator Jacky Rosen, and Congressman Mark Amodei. Chairman Melendez will be formally retiring from his position this week.
“President Biden and USDA Rural Development is dedicated to supporting Tribal communities and ensuring everyone has access to clean water systems,” said Ingvoldstad. “This investment ensures the Hungry Valley Colony has a clean and reliable water and wastewater system, reduces water loss, and increases sustainability and climate resiliency, a key commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration. We’re proud to partner with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony to ensure tribal members have the resources they need to empower their communities. We appreciate Chairman Arlan Melendez’s strong leadership over the past 32 years, and we look forward to working together with incoming Chairman Daryl Gardipe to continue this relationship.”
This Rural Development investment financed new water and wastewater system improvements, extending service to 25 homes in the Hungry Valley Colony of the Washoe Tribe in northern Nevada. A new 100,000-gallon water tank was installed, and the existing water tank was re-coated, with a new 12-inch transmission water line from the storage tank to the distribution system also installed. The wastewater component of this project included a new wastewater treatment plant liner in Ponds 1 &2 and other improvements.
This project was funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which helps private lenders provide affordable financing to qualified borrowers to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems for households and businesses in rural areas. Public bodies, federally recognized Tribes, non-profit businesses and others may qualify for loan guarantees. To learn more about the program and how funds may be used, please visit the program page: Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Nevada | Rural Development (usda.gov)
To learn more about investment resources for rural Nevada, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/nv or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.
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. For more information, visit Rural Development (usda.gov);
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