USDA Making Funds Available for Infrastructure Improvements

USDA Rural Development State Director Doug Wilson has announced that the department is investing $23 million in seven projects in the state to improve waste and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities. USDA is funding the projects through the Water and Wastewater Disposal Loan and Grant Program.

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.

EJ Water Cooperative will use a $131,000 loan to construct water main and appurtenances to provide water to serve 55 new connections. Additional loops and extensions are also part of the project, which will ensure the facility can maintain and serve its existing users. This project will alleviate health and sanitary issues for the new users, as they will no longer be reliant on contaminated private wells in Cumberland and Montgomery counties. These additional Rural Development funds are needed to complete the project. 

In the region, Pana will use a $1.2 million loan to renovate the city's existing water treatment plant, and Vandalia will use a $14 million loan and a $4.1 million grant to construct a water treatment plant.