Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $117.3 Million For Rural Water Projects

Washington, D.C. /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of $117.3 million in water and environmental project loans and grants that are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Recovery Act projects are helping rural communities of all sizes build a foundation for economic strength, future prosperity, and a healthy environment," said Vilsack. "The 31 water and wastewater projects we're announcing today are helping to achieve the Obama Administration's economic recovery goals to rebuild and revitalize the nation's infrastructure while creating or retaining jobs."

Altogether, USDA has announced $1.96 billion for water and environmental project loans and grants, benefiting people throughout the country.

The ARRA funding announced today is being administered by USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program, which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement. The 17 states awarded are Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Vermont.

Below is the award recipient for California:

• City of Gustine; $4 million loan; $999,500 grant - water system improvements

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.

SOURCE USDA