USDA RD Invests $891 Million in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 43 States

Projects Include Rural Water Infrastructure for 2733 Rural Residents and Businesses Across New Hampshire and Vermont

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states.

“Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

These 220 projects will help improve rural water infrastructure for 787,000 residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, and they include initiatives across New Hampshire and Vermont.

USDA Rural Development State Director Anthony Linardos was pleased to announce the investments in a recent statement. “Delivering safe drinking water and modernizing wastewater management improves public health and drives economic development,” he said. “Upgrading and replacing this core infrastructure is crucial in securing the well- being of rural Americans. These essential projects will provide a healthier place to live and do business in New Hampshire and Vermont.”

Relevant initiatives in VT & NH include:

• Deer Estates Cooperative in Milan, N.H. — $131,000 loan to modernize its water and sewer systems;
• Bridgewater, Vt. — $789,000 in loans and grants to replace and upgrade aging components of the town’s wastewater treatment facility and collection system from 1978. The investment will improve pollution control by reducing maintenance and repair costs, as well as excessive infill;
• Epping, N.H. — $13 million in loans and grants to replace two sludge lagoons with a solar field to power its wastewater treatment facility (previously released);
• Woody Hollow Cooperative in Boscawen, N.H. — $956,000 in loans and grants to replace aging pipes and improve water quality for its users (previously released).

Background:

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

For example, as part of today’s announcement:

• The city of Epping, N.H. is receiving more than $13 million in loans and grants to decommission two sludge lagoons that pose a public health hazard. After the lagoons are emptied, the town will install a solar array in their place to power its modern wastewater treatment
• The Woody Hollow Cooperative in Boscawen, N.H. received $956,000 in grants and loans to replace aging pipes and other materials in order to improve water quality for its dozens of

Contacts: Kevin Lambert, (802) 828-6080, Kevin.Lambert@usda.gov.

U.S. Department of Agriculture: 1400 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC 20250. www.rd.usda.gov

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