Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced an $891 million investment in rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states. Funding 220 projects, the investment will help improve rural water infrastructure for 787,000 residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand says, “Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas.” The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less. Meanwhile, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, among other things, in rural communities.