U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Montana State Director Charles Robison announced that USDA is investing $7.3 million to update the City of Hardin’s wastewater treatment plant. USDA is funding the project through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.
“The Trump Administration has prioritized the improvement of community infrastructure, improving the quality of life for rural Montanans,” Robison said. “An updated wastewater treatment plant in Hardin is just one way that USDA Rural Development is improving rural prosperity. When rural Montana prospers, all of Montana prospers.”
The City of Hardin received a $5,201,000 grant and $2,121,000 loan from Rural Development to conduct a three-phased update of the wastewater treatment plant. Improvements planned for the aging system include installation of a new sewer main and manholes. The mechanical plant will be upgraded by replacing the headworks structure and correcting system functions. Other upgrades will include a new plant water well, septage receiving station, installation of a backup power generator, a new disinfection system, and an administration building.
Rural Development partnered with several agencies on this project including the Montana State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF), Treasure Statement Endowment Program (TSEP), and the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program. Partnerships stretch state and federal dollars for projects that improve the quality of life and economic development in rural Montana communities.
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.
For application or eligibility information, view the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one of Montana’s USDA Rural Development offices.
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/mt.
If you’d like to subscribe to Montana USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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