USDA Rural Development State Director for Colorado Sallie Clark joined local leaders, board members, and community partners today to celebrate recent upgrades to the Montezuma Water Company (MWC) Treatment facility. The milestone was made possible through USDA Rural Development’s $28,107,000 direct and guaranteed loan investment in rural infrastructure.
“USDA has a longstanding partnership with Montezuma Water Company since the company’s inception in 1967,” said Clark. “Today’s investment builds on that legacy and reflects our continued commitment to strengthening rural communities across Colorado.” At its onset, USDA funding was used to help purchase water rights and install transmission lines. In 1973 funding was provided for a Water treatment plant and in 1999 additional updates were made again utilizing USDA funding.
The funding awarded today was provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program and provides clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. This completion will allow MWC to meet the requirements of the future regarding the new safe drinking laws. This fiscal year alone, USDA Rural Development has invested over $23 million in water and wastewater projects across Colorado.
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/co.