WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 18, 2009 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of $117.3 million in water and environmental project loans and grants that are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Recovery Act projects are helping rural communities of all sizes build a foundation for economic strength, future prosperity, and a healthy environment," said Vilsack. "The 31 water and wastewater projects we're announcing today are helping to achieve the Obama Administration's economic recovery goals to rebuild and revitalize the nation's infrastructure while creating or retaining jobs."
For example, in Anderson, S.C., Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District has been selected to receive a $3.2 million loan and a $2.7 million grant to provide new water system to more than 400 residents of Anderson County. The new system will replace individual wells - many with poor water quality. The new water system will allow for better fire protection services and economic development opportunities for the community.
The city of Swainsboro, GA., was selected to receive a $6.4 million loan and $7.2 million grant to repair and renovate a wastewater treatment plant including installing a new main line, repairing of a pump station and collection lines. Emanuel County has a population of 6,943 and is a persistent poverty county. The city is under an existing Environmental Protection Division consent order that will be removed with completion of these improvements.
Altogether, USDA has announced $1.96 billion for water and environmental project loans and grants, benefiting people throughout the country.
The ARRA funding announced today is being administered by USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program which 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.
Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. Below is a complete list of award recipients, by state:
Arkansas
Tri County RWD District-Bluffton Ext ; $1,238,000 loan; $2,938,000 grant-extend water lines to community
California
City of Gustine; $4,000,000 loan; $999,500 grant -- water system improvements
Colorado
Huajatolla Valley Estate Inc.;$204,000 loan; $155,000 grant- water system improvements
Florida
City of DeFuniak Springs; $4,454,000 loan; $1,225,000 grant - water system improvements
Georgia
City of Swainsboro; $6,413,000 loan; $7,267,000 grant- wastewater treatment plant improvements
Illinois
Village of Waggoner; $474,000 loan; $466,000 grant-water system improvements
EJ Water Cooperative Inc.; $416,000 loan; $140,000 grant -- water system extension
Village of Steward; $642,000 loan; $306,000 grant- wastewater treatment system
Kentucky
City of Campton; $892,000 loan; $892,000 grant - water system improvements
City of Pikeville; $1,500,000 loan; $600,000 grant - sewer system extension
Maine
Limestone Water and Sewer District; $1,098,000 loan; $3,052,000 grant -- wastewater system improvements
Michigan
City of Caspian; $1,000,000 loan; $3,000,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
City of Clare; $3,081,000 loan - water system improvements
City of Coopersville; $6,404,000 loan - wastewater system improvements
City of Iron River; $3,584,000 loan; $1,870,000 grant - water system improvements
City of Mackinac Island; $7,733,000 loan; $2,578,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
Village of Onekama; $1,050,000 loan; $1,187,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
Montana
Town of Saco; $649,000 loan; $597,000 grant - water system improvements
New Hampshire
Town of Peterborough; $6,986,000 loan; $5,688,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
Plymouth Village Water and Sewer; $1,597,000 loan; $4,720,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
New York
Town of Clarendon; $124,000 loan -- water system extension
Village of Fort Plain; $1,357,000 loan; $371,725 grant-water system improvement
Oklahoma
The Checotah Public Works Authority; $1,231,800 loan - wastewater system improvements
South Carolina
Breezy Hill Water & Sewer Co. Inc.; $7,129,000 loan; $1,987,700 grant - water system improvements
Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District; $3,225,000 loan; $2,689,000 grant -- water system extension
South Dakota
City of Mobridge; $636,000 loan; $295,000 grant -- water system improvements
Summit; $278,000 loan; $912,000 grant - water system improvements
Summit; $340,000 loan; $141,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
Tennessee
Luttrell-Blaine-Corryton Utility District; $1,351,000 loan; $649,000 grant - wastewater system improvements
City of Savannah; $545,000 loan; $151,000 grant -- waste water system improvements and expansion
Vermont
Barton Village Inc.; $723,000 loan; $2,077,000 grant -- water system improvements
President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 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 Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov .
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
