This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will invest more than $9.1 million to help improve rural drinking water and help wastewater infrastructure in the Sunshine State.
The funds are part of $891million that the Trump administration announced this week for water improvements across the country.
“Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said on Tuesday. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
USDA Florida / U.S. Virgin Islands State Director Phil Leary weighed in on how the funds will help the Sunshine State.
“Providing safe drinking water to our rural areas continues to be a top priority here at Rural Development,” Leary said. “The Trump administration long ago made rural America a priority, and this funding allows for improvements to our communities and economies here in rural Florida and throughout America. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
The funds come from the USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
With more than 200 projects across the nation getting funded, the USDA showcased one of them in Florida.
“Ocala East Villas Inc. will utilize funds to connect its wastewater system to the Marion County wastewater system. The project consists of a pump station, 1,600 linear feet of force main to connect to the county wastewater system, and other associated work. The wastewater system provides service to 486 customers,” the USDA noted.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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