USDA announces $314 million in funding for rural water and wastewater projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Monday that it has awarded 141 loans and grants worth $314 million to support water quality and wastewater system improvements in rural America.

The funding will come from two programs, the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which will see $299 million dispersed through 88 projects, and the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (ECWAG) program, which will fund 53 projects with $15 million.

"Many rural communities need to upgrade and repair their water and wastewater systems, but often lack the resources to do so," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "These loans and grants will help accomplish this goal. USDA's support for infrastructure improvements is an essential part of building strong rural economies."

The Water and Waste program allows rural communities to improve their infrastructure by constructing water and waste facilities. The ECWAG program also concentrates on rural communities, providing funds to either recover from emergencies or prepare for impending ones.

The funds announced on Monday bring the total amount of USDA funding for rural water and wastewater services to $12.3 billion, spread over 5,174 projects, since 2009. The grants and loans are contingent on the awardee meeting their agreement with the USDA.