U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA Invests in Drinking Water Quality and Wastewater Management for Rural Residents and Businesses in Texas

Name
Erika Archie
Email
erika.archie@usda.gov
Phone
254-742-9703
City
Temple
Release Date

TEMPLE, TX, Nov. 19, 2019 — State Director for Rural Development Edd Hargett today announced that USDA is investing $9.4 million to improve water systems and wastewater handling services in rural communities in Texas.  USDA is funding the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.

“USDA understands that safe and reliable water infrastructure is vital for our rural communities,” Hargett said. “The investments announced today demonstrate our commitment to improving essential water and wastewater services that will enhance the prosperity of rural Texans.”   

Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts. The funds can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities that meet population limits. 

Below are the water and wastewater projects in rural communities that will receive funding in Texas:

  • The city of Smithville will use a $1.5 million loan and a $1.1 million grant to relocate water and wastewater distribution and collection lines due to the State Highway 95 widening project. The improvements will upgrade the infrastructure to provide increased water pressure and fire flow and wastewater service to the south side of the city, including the schools. 
  • White River Municipal Water District will use a $664,000 loan and a $1.3 million grant as additional financing to construct improvements to the surface water treatment plant, Crosbyton-Ralls Booster Station, and the Post Booster Pump Station. These improvements will improve the required pumping capacity as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The District provides service to the cities of Post, Crosbyton, Spur and Ralls. They received previous funding of $3.8 million.
  • McClelland Water Supply Corporation will use a $2.6 million loan to make improvements to Plant 1 and to construct a new Plant 2 with a well, storage tank, pressure tank and boost pumps. Other improvements include replacing and upgrading approximately 22 miles of distribution lines throughout the corporation's service area. The improvements will bring the system in compliance with the rules and regulations set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in providing adequate water pressure to all customers served in the proposed project area. 
  • Sebastian Municipal Utility District will use a $1.1 million loan and a $881,000 grant to rehabilitate the water treatment plant and for the replacement of neglected equipment that is no longer functioning in a serviceable state. The project includes the installation of numerous new pumps, blowers and valves needed for the day-to-day operation of the water treatment plant. The system will be updated with a SCADA system, and a new laboratory building will be constructed. 

View the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices for application or eligibility information.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.