USDA Rural Development State Director for Colorado Sallie Clark awarded representatives from Huerfano County Water Conservancy District's Sheep Mountain Augmentation Facility with a $1,576,000 grant to repair damage to the reservoir and strengthen the community’s water infrastructure.
The project will help remedy damage to the reservoir liner and restore structural integrity and reliable storage capacity and capability. “This investment reflects the power of partnership in addressing critical rural infrastructure needs. This funding was supported through the congressional discretionary appropriations and strong advocacy of our congressional delegation. This project will strengthen long-term water security, and support economic opportunity,” said Clark. Upon completion, the facility will continue the storage of water that can be released during the water year when junior water users in the Huerfano River basin need to be augmented to prevent injury to senior water rights holders.
USDA Rural Development’s Water & Environmental Programs provide technical assistance and financing through loans, grants and loan guarantees to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems, replace aging infrastructure and reduce contamination. Funding is provided for 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.
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.