Town of Troy to Receive USDA Funds For Water System Improvements

From USDA Sources / Photo:  USDA 

WASHINGTON -- United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Indiana Michael Dora today announced more than $5.2 million in investments to help rebuild and improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure for 6,875 rural Indiana residents.

   “Modern and reliable infrastructure is essential to the growth and development of rural Indiana communities,” Dora said. “These projects ensure the continuation of safe, sanitary, water/wastewater services and allow for economic prosperity.”

   Nationwide, USDA is working with local partners to provide financing for 49 water and environmental infrastructure projects. The funding is being provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.      

   Eligible communities and water districts can apply online on the interactive RD Apply tool or through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.

   Below are investments USDA is making in Indiana:

• City of Rensselaer is receiving a $3.4 million loan (and a $1.7 million grant) to connect three unserved areas of the city to the sewer system and to replace the main lift station. The homes that will be connected are served by individual septic systems that do not perform well in rainy conditions. This project will benefit 5,859 residents. 
• Town of Troy is receiving a $182,000 loan to provide additional financing to build a new water treatment plant, install booster pumps and related appurtenances. The town will contribute $50,000 toward the project. The town of Troy serves 1,016 residents.

   USDA is making investments in rural communities in: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Washington. 

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

   To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

   USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.