Investments
Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure. USDA is investing $374 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states.
The city of Dunn, N.C., will use a $1.4 million loan and a $1.2 million grant to repair or replace 9,135 feet of sewer collection line, 42 manholes and 134 pipes. These modernizations will stop sewer system overflows, which will lead to cleaner rural water resources in the area and support a healthier environment for nearly 10,000 local residents.
Renewable Energy in Rural Communities. USDA is investing $78 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution
For example, in Georgia, RC Bells Inc. will use a $130,500 grant to replace four dispensers and a storage tank at a fueling station in Acworth. The infrastructure supported by this investment will expand the use of renewable fuels by approximately 420,000 gallons per year.
On Earth Day USDA Invests 487 Million In Rural Water Energy And Biofuel Infrastructure wateronline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wateronline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”
Highlights of today’s announcement include investments in:
Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:
USDA is investing $374 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states. Through its Water and Environmental Programs, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America.
WASHINGTON â Thursday, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the U.S. Department of Agricultureis investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.
The grants include $7,335,000 to the Town of Shipshewana to improve operations at its wastewater treatment plant. The money will be used to upgrade the facility to meet current national electric codes, stop redundant pumping and streamline process piping/tanking to maximize efficiency of existing tanks. Funds will be used to correct infiltration to the digester tank and protect drying beds from winter elements to help improve sludge management, enabling the plant to process sludge year-round.