USDA announces $800M for rural infrastructure

On August 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of $808 million to help rural areas build and improve water, wastewater and electric infrastructure.

USDA said that the announcement would benefit nearly 480,000 people in 36 states and two U.S. territories while building and strengthening rural infrastructure and creating good-paying jobs.

“USDA invests in rural America because we know strong communities are rooted in their people,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Powering people with modern infrastructure creates good-paying jobs and supports opportunities for people to build brighter futures. The investments we’re announcing today demonstrate the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensuring that people who live and work in rural areas have every opportunity to succeed – and that they can find those opportunities right at home.”

The investment will help the people living in Louisiana, for example. Hagewood Water System Inc., located in North Louisiana, will use the Rural Development investment to provide financing to add just under three miles of a six-inch water main and a booster station along Highway 6.

USDA is making the investments through the Electric Loan Program, Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and Grant Program, Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees Program, Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks for Colonias Program, Solid Waste Management Grants Program, Community Facilities Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program and Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.