U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $420 billion investment for 132 infrastructure projects, including dam rehabilitation, flood prevention and watershed restoration projects, in 31 states.
The money came from President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to build on a $166 million infrastructure investment announced earlier this year, according to an April 21 USDA news release.
"President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and build new economic opportunity," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the news release. "Our watershed programs help communities rebuild after natural disasters and prepare for future events."
The funds include money that will be spend in "communities that we've historically underserved," Vilsack said.
“The President believes that when rural communities thrive, America thrives," Vilsack said in the report. "Building A Better America means that no community is left behind. These projects exemplify why this historic investment in our watersheds was needed and the adeptness of our agency to act swiftly.”
The public announcement was made in Albany, Ga., as part of the Building a Better America Rural Infrastructure Tour.
Funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be directed to the implementation of strategies that merge efficient irrigation with resource management. Approximately $70 million will be allocated for eight projects related to watershed concerns, according to the release.
