![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.envguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/N5_P1-300x201.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced a historic commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to upgrade and rebuild rural water infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cUSDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities in building their futures,\u201d Hazlett said. \u201cAll people \u2013 regardless of their zip code \u2013 need modern, reliable infrastructure to thrive, and we have found that when we address this need, many other challenges in rural places become much more manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eligible rural communities and water districts can apply online for funding to maintain, modernize or build water and wastewater systems. USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.<\/p>\n
In FY 2018, Congress provided a historic level of funding for water and wastewater infrastructure. The 2018 Omnibus spending bill includes $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants, up from $1.2 billion in FY 2017. The bill also directs Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to make investments in rural communities with the greatest infrastructure needs.<\/p>\n
Date: July 30, 2018
\nImage: Google Images
\nCoordinator: EnvGuide Team
\nSource: https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/media\/pres-releases\/2018\/07\/30\/usda-encourages-rural-communities-water-districts-apply-loans<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"