Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding of a regional wastewater system in Scioto County, Ohio. The project is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and will provide a centralized wastewater treatment system for 1,340 users in four rural Ohio communities.
"The Recovery Act is funding critically needed community projects across rural America," Vilsack said. "The Obama Administration will continue to target funding to support vibrant communities as part of our overall strategy to strengthen local economies and the nation's rural infrastructure."
Residents in unincorporated communities of Muletown, Minford, Clarktown and Rubyville are currently using on-site septic systems that have failed EPA inspections. The new $29.6 million [$29.4 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan and grant funds, and $240,000 in leveraged funds] collection and treatment system will alleviate the public health and water quality problems associated with the failed individual systems.
The AARA funding announced is being administered by USDA Rural Development. USDA provides loans and grants to assist communities build or improve water and/or wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.
USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $134 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
Source: USDA
