Prior to Earth Day, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revealed an $18.3 million investment plan to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and Delaware River Basin.
According to a press release issued on Apr. 21, 2023, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small joined Sen. USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, together with Sen. Tom Carper and environmental allies, unveiled the investments, which will promote clean water infrastructure and job creation for rural residents in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Rural Development Under Secretary, Xochitl Small shared that the USDA is actively improving rural developments. Small attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Chesapeake City, Maryland, for a landmark wastewater treatment facility.
"USDA is dedicated to preserving these iconic waterways for generations to come," Torres Small said.
The USDA is dedicated to supporting these communities and their long-term sustainable futures.
As a component of the effort, the USDA allocated $6.6 million from its Water and Waste Direct Loan and Grant program towards the Chesapeake City, Maryland wastewater treatment facility. The Maryland Department of the Environment also contributed $6.9 million to the endeavor. These steps are aimed at enhancing the water quality of these crucial ecosystems and ensuring that rural communities have access to unpolluted and safe water.
These investments will improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and Delaware River Basin, which are critical ecosystems. The USDA is committed to supporting these rural communities and ensuring their access to clean water.
“The Chesapeake Bay watershed and Delaware River Basin provide so many benefits to this region, and USDA is committed to making sure rural people can count on these iconic waterways for generations to come," Small said.
“USDA is proud to celebrate Earth Day alongside Senator Carper to show how President Biden is supporting locally driven solutions that expand access to safe drinking water, reliable wastewater infrastructure, renewable energy, and essential services that create jobs, build critical infrastructure, and create sustainable futures in rural America," Small said.
