The Department of Agriculture Monday announced $144 million in rural water infrastructure improvements.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas.

Through the effort announced Monday, USDA will fund water projects in 25 states through 45 projects.

The funds are authorized through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program eligible applicants include rural cities and towns, and water districts.

They can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Deputy undersecretary of rural development Donald LaVoy says “modern and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure systems are foundational to economic growth and quality of life in rural communities.”

One of the projects, $8.8 million for Winfield, West Virginia, will upgrade its wastewater treatment plant.

USDA had $2.9 billion available for Water and Environmental Program loans and grants at the beginning of fiscal year 2019.

For more information and a list of funded projects, visit www.rd.usda.gov.