New Infrastructure Will Support a Growing Economy and Provide Clean Watersheds for Thousands of People in Massachusetts
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small joined Congressman James McGovern (MA- District 2) today at the North Brookfield Wastewater Treatment Facility to announce an investment of $13.05 million for critical upgrades to the system.
“When Rural Development invests in wastewater, it means more than revitalizing aging facilities in rural communities. It can support a growing economy, and it provides clean watersheds for thousands of people,” Torres Small said. “Thanks to President Biden, Vice President Harris, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, and to leaders in Congress like Congressman McGovern, USDA can continue to invest in the wastewater infrastructure of small towns like North Brookfield, having a direct impact on the health and well-being of the people who call this place home.”
The important upgrades were made possible through a USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan of $3,264,000 and grant of $9,791,000 to the Town of North Brookfield.
This critical USDA Rural Development funding will replace aging equipment to meet future permit requirements. In addition, this project will also include construction of an administration building, upgrade of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems, and integration of a new system for process monitoring and control. This project will have a significant impact on the town of North Brookfield and the thousands of customers the treatment facility serves. The facility was last upgraded over 20 years ago.
USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs help rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems. sanitary waste disposal systems and clean drinking water are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America. Rural Development is a leader in helping rural America improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for rural people.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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 www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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