July 20, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of $250 million in water and environmental projects that are being funded immediately through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The 32 projects will help provide safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment systems for rural towns and communities in 17 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. This is the fifth wave of water and environmental projects that USDA has announced, with total funding of $1.134 billion.

"Recovery Act projects are putting people to work and helping communities of all sizes build a foundation for economic strength and future prosperity," said Vilsack. "The water and wastewater projects we’re announcing are helping to achieve the Obama Administration’s economic recovery goals by rebuilding and revitalize the nation’s infrastructure while creating or retaining jobs."

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

For example, the Public Water Supply District No. 3 of Henry County near Clinton, will receive $1,315,500 in assistance consisting of an $850,000 loan and a $465,500 grant. The funds will provide for a new standpipe of 250,000 gallon of elevated storage in the north part of the District. There will also be an inter connection with the Henry County Water Company with a 12 inch supply line along with a booster station. The existing water treatment plant will be closed, along with closure of the wells at the water intake pump station. The intake building will be removed and the site restored to pre-existing conditions. These improvements will provide continued long-term, cost-effective, reliable and safe water for the Districts 846 users in rural west central Missouri.

More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov or by calling Donna Martin at the Farmington Area Office at (573)756-6413 Ext. 5. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation’s economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA’s Recovery efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery, including a blog where people can ‘Share Your Story’ about how Recovery Act projects are impacting their communities. Additional information about the overall recovery program is available at www.recovery.gov.