Two Arkansas cities to receive over $7 million in USDA funds for rural water projects
by May 23, 2018 2:26 pm 493 views
Two Arkansas cities are among rural communities across the U.S. that will receive $256 million from the Trump administration to fund 81 water infrastructure projects in 35 states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday (May 23).
During a keynote address at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) Rural Development, Assistant to the Secretary for the USDA’s Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced the projects while speaking to rural community leaders and economic development officials from across the state attending the three-day annual event in Little Rock.
“No matter what zip code you live in, infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity,” Hazlett said a statement. “Through strong partnerships, USDA is ensuring that rural communities have the modern, reliable infrastructure they need to prosper.”
According to the USDA, the Tri County Regional Water Distribution District in Russellville is receiving a $6.2 million USDA loan to construct a water treatment plant with new intake and water lines. The new plant will better serve customers during high demand and will help avoid unhealthy conditions, supplying water to Tri County residents in Pope, Logan and Yell counties.
The community of Ravenden in Lawrence County is receiving $859,000 to construct a water supply well. The new well will correct system deficiencies to comply with health and sanitary regulatory standards for the 246 users, officials said.
The USDA funding is part of the federal agency’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which is used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. In his $1.065 trillion budget for fiscal 2018, President Trump has proposed over$ 200 billion in infrastructure investment that targets 25% or about $50 billion for rural projects.
AEDC’s Rural Development conference will conclude tomorrow with the annual Governor’s Luncheon and Award’s ceremony and a keynote address by Gov. Asa. Hutchinson.