Vermont Business Magazine US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $5.2 billion to build and improve critical rural infrastructure in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The funding reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to Building a Better America in rural communities and will help expand access to high-speed internet, clean water and reliable electricity in people’s homes and businesses across rural America. Included among the investments are seven projects in Vermont and New Hampshire representing $8,446,700.
“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural America,” Vilsack said. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to Building a Better America by investing in America’s rural infrastructure, expanding access to broadband, clean drinking water and resilient power infrastructure. The investments we are announcing today will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”
Cheryl Ducharme, Acting State Director USDA Rural Development in Vermont and New Hampshire, was pleased to announce the investments: “With this funding for rural infrastructure, Vermont and New Hampshire residents will reap the benefits of cleaner water, a healthier environment and vibrant, more hospitable town centers,” she said. “For people and small businesses to thrive, it’s crucial that our towns and villages establish effective, modern water and waste management systems, and these investments accomplish just that.”
This announcement follows the recent passage of President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development’s programs are helping people, businesses and communities address critical infrastructure needs to help rural America build back better.
For example, through the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program:
• Lisbon, NH, received a $2,215,000 loan and $1,121,000 grant to upgrade the chemical feed system, replace 1,750 linear feet of oversized, cast-iron pipes that range in age from 30 to 60 years, and install UV disinfection and a manganese treatment system. As a result of this project, Lisbon will have a cleaner, more reliable and efficient water system. The town previously received a $30,000
USDA SEARCH grant to plan the project.
• Brighton, Vt., will use a $2,145,000 loan and $1,569,000 grant to improve the town’s wastewater treatment system, resolving significant public health and environmental challenges. Included in the project will be new blowers, lagoon aeration equipment, chlorine contact tank, and a headworks facility and operations building. Brighton also received a USDA SEARCH grant, as the town is preparing for a downtown revitalization project that will include water, wastewater, and stormwater improvements.
• Fox Hill Cooperative, a resident-owned manufactured housing park in Franconia, NH, will apply a $1.07 million loan and grant package to the installation of 16 new, sub-surface disposal systems, and replace 24 undersized septic tanks as well as 1600 linear feet of water main. By upgrading the outdated infrastructure, the park’s operation and maintenance costs will be significantly lowered, as will health risks to residents and the environment.
Project funding through the USDA Solid Waste Management Grant program rounds out the remaining Twin State investments: $68,000 to the Windham Solid Waste Management District; $84,700 to the Composting Association of Vermont; $84,900 to the Lakes Region Planning Commission; and $84,100 to the Northeast Resource Recovery Association.
Background
Nationally, Vilsack highlighted 359 investments that USDA is making in seven programs designed to help people in rural areas access high-speed internet, clean water and dependable electric power. These programs include Community Connect Grants, Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees, Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees, Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants and Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants.
The investments announced today will support rural infrastructure projects in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.
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. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
Source: WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2021 – USDA