The Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, Joel Baxley, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will make significant investments to improve rural water infrastructure.
The investments will include 40 separate projects that stretch over 20 states.
USDA estimates that the investments will benefit approximately 111,000 rural Americans.
“The investments will have a far-reaching, positive impact on rural residents, businesses, and communities,” Baxley says.
“Improving water and wastewater infrastructure enhances the quality of life, helps support economic development, and ensures that rural areas have safe and abundant water supplies.”
USDA will invest $82 million through the Water and Waste Water Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
Rural communities, water districts, and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems.
The projects can only be in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents in order to be eligible for the funds.