LINCOLN, Neb. –The Village of Lodgepole is in the process of completing an upgrade of their water system with assistance from USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans and Grants. The project is approximately two months from being finished according to Sara Pierce, loan specialist, Community Programs, USDA Rural Development.
The village submitted an application through the Water and Waste Advisory Council in Spring of 2020 and was awarded $1.8 million to install three new water wells, piping, and a new 150,000 gallon elevated water tank to combat contamination in the village’s water supply.
“This was a great project for this community, and I was so happy we were able to help them,” said Pierce.
August is National Water Quality Month and is dedicated to making the most of the relatively small amount of fresh water. Having clean water is vital to individual health, our collective agricultural needs, and the needs of our environment.
The Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loans and Grants Program provides funding 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. Qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms include most state and local governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in areas with a population of 10,000 or less.
This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.
In Nebraska, the following specialists are available to assist applicants apply for this and other Community Program funds:
North Platte Office – Sara Pierce (308) 221-3689
Kearney Office – Dave Fulton (308) 455-9844 or Kaleb Browning (308) 455-9838
Norfolk Office – Anthony Guenther (402) 371-5350 ext. 120 or Marla Ourada (402) 437-5598
Lincoln Office – Marshall Stephens (402) 437-5732 or Niki Dittmer (402) 437-5737
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 in business development, housing, community facilities, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.