Vermont Business Magazine Today, in continued celebration of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $12.3 million in critical infrastructure that will help the towns of Brandon, Vermont, and Northumberland, New Hampshire, build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship.
USDA is making the investments under its Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), in addition to the $490 million national infrastructure investment announced by the Biden-Harris Administration on April 22nd, Earth Day.
“Brandon and Northumberland are shining examples of how accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities changes lives for the better,” Maxson said. “These investments help rebuild the middle class while reducing environmental impacts, reflecting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to implementing sound climate solutions in our rural communities.”
Through its Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America:
Brandon, Vermont
USDA is investing $5.53 million ($3.78M loan, $1.75 grant) to rehabilitate Brandon’s wastewater treatment facility so it will meet modern design guidelines and operate safely and more efficiently. Improvements include decommissioning an abandoned flow measurement structure, implementing a facility-wide SCADA system, replacing gas-detection sensors, and refurbishing electrical, HVAC and lighting systems. These upgrades will remove employee hazards and reduce environmental impacts and public health risks to the roughly 3900 people and 300 businesses affected.
Northumberland, New Hampshire
USDA is investing $6.84 million ($5.12M loan, $1.72 grant) to replace over 13,000 feet of undersized and deteriorated water and sewer mains. This project will include reinforcing and replacing water and sewer connections, replacing storm drains as needed, restoring roads and surfaces, and flood-proofing the wastewater treatment facility’s control building. The project will enhance the sustainability of the town's infrastructure,
thereby reducing operation and maintenance costs and positively impacting 2,288 townspeople.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports housing, infrastructure improvements, business development, high-speed internet access, and community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Source: WASHINGTON, April 23, 2021 – USDA