USDA invests $5.2B in critical rural infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is investing $5.2 billion to build and improve critical rural infrastructure in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The funding reflects the BidenHarris Administration’s commitment to Building a Better America in rural communities and will help expand access to high-speed internet, clean water and reliable electricity in people’s homes and businesses across rural America.

“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural America,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The investments we are announcing today will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”

Cheryl Ducharme, Acting State Director USDA Rural Development in Vermont and New Hampshire, was pleased to announce the investments: “With this funding for rural infrastructure, Vermont and New Hampshire residents will reap the benefits of cleaner water, a healthier environment and vibrant, more hospitable town centers,” she said. “For people and small businesses to thrive, it’s crucial that our towns and villages establish effective, modern water and waste management systems, and these investments accomplish just that.”

This announcement follows the recent passage of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The following is a list of the funded rural water infrastructure projects announced by USDA so far:

Vermont and New Hampshire

Lisbon, NH, received a $2,215,000 loan and $1,121,000 grant to upgrade the chemical feed system, replace 1,750 linear feet of oversized, cast-iron pipes that range in age from 30 to 60 years, and install UV disinfection and a manganese treatment system. As a result of this project, Lisbon will have a cleaner, more reliable and efficient water system. The town previously received a $30,000 USDA SEARCH grant to plan the project.
Brighton, Vt., will use a $2,145,000 loan and $1,569,000 grant to improve the town’s wastewater treatment system, resolving significant public health and environmental challenges. Included in the project will be new blowers, lagoon aeration equipment, chlorine contact tank, and a headworks facility and operations building. Brighton also received a USDA SEARCH grant, as the town is preparing for a downtown revitalization project that will include water, wastewater, and stormwater improvements.
Fox Hill Cooperative, a resident-owned manufactured housing park in Franconia, NH, will apply a $1.07 million loan and grant package to the installation of 16 new, sub-surface disposal systems, and replace 24 undersized septic tanks as well as 1600 linear feet of water main. By upgrading the outdated infrastructure, the park’s operation and maintenance costs will be significantly lowered, as will health risks to residents and the environment.
Project funding through the USDA Solid Waste Management Grant program rounds out the remaining Twin State investments: $68,000 to the Windham Solid Waste Management District; $84,700 to the Composting Association of Vermont; $84,900 to the Lakes Region Planning Commission; and $84,100 to the Northeast Resource Recovery Association.

Pennsylvania

In Tioga County, the Upper Tioga River Regional Authority received a $5,074,000 loan and a $4,223,000 grant to provide public water to the area along the corridor and alleviate water quality problems with wells that have been identified as contaminated. The Authority will install approximately 55,000 linear feet of new water mains for public water between Blossburg and Mansfield Boroughs. A flow pressure regulating building will be constructed at the interconnection with Blossburg Municipal, along with construction of a 400,000-gallon water storage tank.
In Westmoreland County, the Municipal Authority of Westmorland County-Avonmore will use a $1,714,300 grant to construct a new Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) treatment system capable of handling the peak flow rates in the system and eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and hydraulic overload conditions at the plant. The funds will also be used to decommission the existing gravity influent lines and replace with larger lines at the correct grade. Also, the plant will be reconfigured to serve the purpose of headworks, raw sewage pumping, sludge holding, and effluent water supply. The Authority will construct a new ultraviolet disinfection system to meet the new permit limits imposed on the plan transitioning from chlorine. The proposed project will bring the community’s sanitary system up to standard to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s consent order.
In Venango County, the Barkeyville Municipal Authority will receive a grant of $317,000 to replace water distribution lines, rehabilitate a water storage tank and covert an abandoned water treatment plant building in the municipal building in Grove City, Mercer County, Pa. The building will provide storage for equipment and materials essential for operating the system. The lines are aged and in need of replacement due to high water loss and frequent line breaks resulting in low water pressure and poor quality.

Texas

The Town of Pecos City will use a $24.7 million loan and $15.7 million grant under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to build a 23-mile transmission line from the southeast part of Reeves County to Pecos City to construct a well field to include 12 wells and a ground storage tank which will provide an additional three million gallons of water. This project will allow Pecos City to have the capabilities to have a secondary water supply and be able to replace existing line in the near future without disruption to the citizens.
Richland Springs will use a $1.4 million loan and $2.3 million grant under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to replace the original 1915 pipeline with new pipe. The new PVC pipe will bring the water loss down to a reasonable level. Approximately 30 fire hydrants will also be replaced.

Wisconsin

The city of Bloomer will use $27.6 million under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to replace all lead service lines, lead-jointed water main pipes and sanitary sewer mains. These improvements will help the city to reduce lead limits in their water distribution system for 3,539 people in Chippewa County. Funding also will help to prevent inflow and infiltration issues from cracked piping.
The city of Waterloo will use $21.1 million to replace aging wastewater treatment facility infrastructure and meet current and future effluent limits, including phosphorus. These improvements will benefit 3,339 people in Jefferson County.
The village of Wonewoc will use $10.05 million to renovate and expand the wastewater treatment facility and address overflow issues. This investment will benefit 816 people in Juneau County.
The city of Chetek will use $20.7 million to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant and address several code violations for residential and commercial structures within 500 feet of the site. This investment will benefit 2,221 people in Barron County.
The village of Turtle Lake will use $21.8 million to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant and sewer system and address excessive phosphorus and chloride limits. These improvement will benefit 1,050 people in Barron County.

Kansas

($2,050,000 loan and $290,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will rehabilitate the sewer system in Chetopa. A partial repair was completed in 2010. The unrepaired areas have rain water entering through cracks and breaks in the collection mains causing sewage back up in residential properties. The repairs will complete the rehabilitation of the system and include approximately 888 vertical feet of manhole repair, 275 service tap repairs, 50 point repairs, and 34,000 feet of fold and form liner or cast-in-place pipe.
($771,000 loan) This Rural Development investment will provide water improvements for the City of Nortonville. This project represents the second phase of the rehabilitation of the existing water system where two-thirds of the distribution system was previously replaced. The proposed project will replace an abandoned well and replace the remaining 1.5 mile portion of cast iron waterline with 9,300 feet of 4-inch PVC pipe, construct two new wells with chemical feed buildings, and includes 185 new meters, 90 meter settings, 14 valves, and 9 fire hydrants.
($272,000 loan and $$1,229,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will be used for construction of a new water well, standpipe and distribution system for the City of Vermillion. The current cast iron pipe infrastructure was installed in 1936 and most of the valves are underneath several inches of asphalt and cannot be located. The city's current water tower needs repainting. Several fire hydrants leak badly when they are in use. The residential water has poor taste and odor. This project will be the first phase of the rehabilitation of the existing water system, which is to include construction of new supply wells, a new stand pipe for water storage, installing approximately 2,500 linear feet of force main, 1,600 linear feet of pipe to connect new storage tank to existing distribution system, and dismantle the existing elevated storage tank.
($1,011,000 loan and $261,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will provide improvements to the City of Mullinville's water distribution system. The existing water tower is over 70 years old. The project will consist of installation of 13,900 linear feet of six-inch water line, 900 linear feet of eight-inch line, 64 valves, 98 water service connections and 17 fire hydrants. This will improve the water pressure and increase reliability of the water system.
($1,262,00 loan and $534,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will be used to start repairing the City of Highland's water distribution system. This phase of the project will construct a new Ion Exchange Treatment Plant.
($998,000 loan and $492,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will construct and improve the City of Neodesha’s water distribution system. The project will provide the city with a 200,000 gallon elevated water storage tank, upgrade an existing elevated storage tank, and install approximately 12,000 linear feet of 12 inch water line and approximately 2.700 linear feet of eight inch water line. Repairs to the Fall River dam will also be made and other infrastructure improvements.
($9,444,000 loan and $3,096,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will be used to construct and improve Neosho’s Rural Water District No. 4’s water distribution system. The district's original system was installed in 1965. The district experiences leaks, high pressure loss and loss of water. The proposed project includes a new booster pump station, construction of a 400,000 gallon elevated storage tank and installation of new water supply lines.
($250,000 loan) This Rural Development investment will replace and improve Dickinson County Rural Water District No. 1's water systems. The project, currently under construction, is to replace roughly 400,000 feet of water line, 74 gate valves, 18 flush hydrants and repairs to three storage tanks. Rural Development previously awarded a $2,319,000 loan and a $1,305,000.00 grant to complete the project. Due to changes during construction, these additional funds are needed to complete the project.
($74,000 loan and $$360,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will construct water services to new customers of Linn County Rural Water District No. 2. Currently the water district doesn't have the existing capacity to provide water to upwards of 100 potential new customers. The project will install nearly five miles of water line, 40 service meters, 24 galvanized valves and a new 50,000 gallon elevated storage tank.
($1,771,000 loan and $649,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will repair the City of Mankato's existing water distribution system. The current system is believed to be 100 years old or more. The proposed project is the first of a multi-phased plan to improve the City's water system. This phase will replace about 30 percent of the City's water lines, associated valves and hydrants.
($10,222,000loan and $7,283,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will construct and expand the City of Linn Valley’s water system. The city entered into an agreement in April 2019 to purchase potable water from the city of LaCygne, contingent upon the completion of this project. This project consists of 20,700 feet force main to be installed between the two cities, 147,730 feet of pipe for the distribution system, 244 hydrants and the construction of a 250,000 gallon elevated water storage tank.
($668,000 loan and $398,000 grant) This Rural Development investment will replace a section of waterlines for the City of Caney. This project received previous funding from Rural Development in the amounts of a $2,741,000.00 loan and two grants for $265,000.00 and $600,000 on Aug. 29, 2018, and another $693,000.00 loan on May 19, 2020. This additional funding is needed to cover costs associated with replacement of the additional water lines found during the excavation and repairing of existing waterlines.

Utah

The City of Millville in Cache County, Utah, will use a $6,400,000 grant and a $9,720,000 loan under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan/Grant Program to construct and install a wastewater collection system. Historically the community has relied on individual septic tanks and with this funding, Millville will construct a new sewer system ensuring residents have access to modern, reliable and safe wastewater infrastructure.
Solid Waste Training Institute based in Kaysville, Utah, will use $849,400 in grants to provide technical assistance and training services to small rural landfills in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Hawaii and Guam with information and technology to keep their community landfill systems sustainable. These projects are funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program

Tennessee

The town of Baxter will use a $1.5 million loan and $1.5 million grant to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant. The improvements include several infrastructure upgrades within the treatment plant and one sewer pump station. This will allow the town to remove health and safety issues they are currently experiencing and ultimately provide safe and sanitary wastewater service to approximately 1,350 customers.
The town of Monterey will use a $500,000 loan and $2 million grant to complete the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The new WWTP will improve the town’s ability to treat wastewater which will improve the quality of life and the environment for more than 1,900 customers.
The Sneedville Utility District will use a $186,000 loan and $219,000 grant to provide potable water to the Newman’s Ridge Community. The project consists of installing 9,140 feet of 4” water line. The project will also consist of upgrading an existing pump station and adding additional pump stations.
The Surgoinsville Utility District will use a $306,000 loan to upgrade the water infrastructure in the Phipps Bends Industrial Park. These upgrades include the installation of 900 LF of 12” waterline which will allow the creation of loops in the system providing additional redundant supply routes during periods of system isolations. The project will also restore a 750,000-gallon water storage tank located within the park.
The West Warren-Viola Utility District will use a $1 million loan to make needed improvements to the wastewater treatment plant in Morrison, Tenn. The improvements consist of new sequencing batch reactor equipment and electrical upgrades. The project will benefit the residents by improving sewer services.

Montana

The town of Fairfield will receive a loan for $263,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to replace leaking copper service lines and deteriorating asbestos cement distribution system piping, which dates to the 1940s. Funding will also provide the additional looping-in of specific system locations, and will help the town replace fire hydrants and gate valves, along with various other appurtenances and fittings.
Lockwood Water and Sewer District will receive a loan for $19,300,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program, which will be used for the Phase Three sewer sub-district project area. Funds will be used for the installation of nearly 70,640 lineal feet of gravity sewer main with manholes.
The city of Thompson Falls will receive a loan for $1,743,000 and a grant for $4,432,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to help the city upgrade and extend their wastewater collection and treatment systems. This Phase Three funding will support the continuation of the Phase One and Phase Two projects that are currently in construction and partially funded by USDA Rural Development. Phase Three will add 189 parcels and connect to the upgraded Lagoon Wastewater Treatment System. Adding these users will contribute revenue to the operations and maintenance of the entire system and connect a large portion of the town that was previously not connected.
The town of Twin Bridges will receive a Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grant for $30,000 to complete a preliminary engineering report and an environmental report to assess the town of Twin Bridges' aging water system. The reports will also evaluate and address water and waste disposal storage capacity issues.
Martinsdale Water and Sewer District will receive a Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grant for $30,000 to complete a preliminary engineering report and an environmental report for their water system, which services White Sulphur Springs. These reports will determine improvements needed for an aging system that is nearly sixty years old and will evaluate and address improvements that may include developing a second water source, replacing seven of the original ten fire hydrants, and replacing water mains and services lines which date back to the original installation of the system.

Florida

Okeechobee Utility Authority in Okeechobee County, Fla., will use $8,391,000 to construct a sewer collection system to serve 503 residents that are currently on aged septic systems. This improvement will correct health and sanitary issues by reducing nutrient loading into Lake Okeechobee and the Lake Okeechobee basin.
Holt Water Works Inc. in Okaloosa County, Fla., will use $4,740,400 for water system improvements which consists of construction of a new well, a new elevated storage tank, replacement of asbestos pipes and aged meters with updated radio read water meters. This improvement will also add a secondary source of water to correct health and sanitary issues.
Floral City Water Association Inc. in Citrus County, Fla., will use $1,240,000 to make improvements to the water system by extending water lines to residents that are currently on private wells and have water quality issues. The improvement will provide quality drinking water for the residents.

Minnesota

The city of Onamia will use $2.62 million under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to construct a water treatment facility. This loan will help to address health and sanitation concerns such as reducing excessive levels of ammonia and organic carbon. The project will help bring clean drinking water for nearly 900 people.
The city of South Haven will use $3.8 million to make improvements to water and sewer infrastructure. This loan will help to address health concerns by reducing or eliminating iron and slime bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and mold. It will also construct a new water tower to replace the lead-based paint existing structure. The project will help to improve water treatment for nearly 200 people.
The city of Bagley will use $13.4 million to make improvements to the water, wastewater and stormwater systems, including new piping, manholes, and improvements to the lift stations. This project will also help to add unserved surrounding areas to the stormwater system and as a whole will benefit nearly 1,400 people.

Nationally, Vilsack highlighted 359 investments that USDA is making in seven programs designed to help people in rural areas access high-speed internet, clean water, and dependable electric power. These programs include Community Connect Grants, Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees, Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees, Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants, and Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants.

The investments announced today will support rural infrastructure projects in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico