U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced a significant investment in rural infrastructure projects across the United States. The USDA is allocating $1.3 billion to fund 116 projects aimed at improving access to clean and reliable electric grids, safe drinking water, and job opportunities in rural and Tribal communities. This initiative aligns with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which focuses on economic growth from the middle out and bottom up.
Deputy Secretary Torres Small stated, “Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have taken action to create good-paying jobs by making sure every community can benefit from safe drinking water and a reliable electric grid that lowers bills for hardworking families. Today’s $1.3 billion investment in over 100 rural water and electric infrastructure projects is a continuation of that commitment.”
A portion of the funding will enhance water infrastructure resilience against climate change impacts and severe weather events. During an event in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Torres Small highlighted a $14 million loan to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County for improvements to Jeannette's sewer system.
Overall, $443 million will be directed through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program to improve access to clean drinking water and waste disposal services in 24 states. More than $30 million will support utilities affected by natural disasters in several states including California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Examples of funded projects include a $162,000 grant for Montana's Gardiner Park County Water District to replace flood-damaged pipes and over $3 million for Wisconsin's Village of Sharon to upgrade its wastewater systems.
Additionally, the USDA is providing $852 million through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to enhance electric infrastructure in 14 states. Notable projects include a $35 million loan for North Carolina's Surry-Yadkin EMC to build powerlines connecting nearly 2,000 consumers and a $31 million loan for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Generation-Utah LLC to construct a solar farm benefiting Native Americans near Red Mesa.
The investments span multiple states including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Hawaii among others.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development continues its mission of expanding economic opportunities and improving quality of life in rural areas through various programs supporting infrastructure improvements and community development.
For more information on these initiatives or other USDA efforts under this administration focused on transforming America’s food system and investing in rural communities visit www.usda.gov or subscribe for updates via GovDelivery.
