USDA unveils plans to invest in 42 states to improve water quality

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Donald LaVoy, Deputy Under Secretary, Rural Development, have reportedly announced that the department will be investing $635 million across 122 projects in order to improve the condition of water systems as well as wastewater handling services across 42 states, with a greater focus on rural communities. USDA will be funding the project through a loan and grant program.
LaVoy, reportedly stated that through these investments they could bring infrastructure that is reliable to rural communities. They will be replacing water pipes that are leaking, are old and fragile with new water pipes and allows upgrades to systems for water handling that are age old, boosting the pressure of water and cutting down water losses.
LaVoy further stated that these investments would improve public health and safety and also help in creating jobs. Under the leadership of President Trump and Sonny Perdue, Agriculture Secretary, the USDA will be committed in collaborating with rural communities to help them in improving their infrastructure as well.
The applicants who will be eligible includes water districts, towns and rural cities. The funds could be used for drinking water, waste disposal systems and storm water drainage in rural communities which meet population limits.
Few examples of wastewater and water related projects in rural communities that will receive funding are; Starke, Florida, which will be using around $8.8 million loan and a grant of $7.8 million to improve the city’s wastewater treatment facility, as it is more than 40 years old. Improvements in system will lead to resolution of health and sanitary issues while improving services to 2,331 customers.
The city of Amity, which is located in northwest Oregon, will be using a loan of $1.6 million and a grant of $1.7 million to enhance the municipal water system, which no longer provides the expected volume of clean water for drinking purposes which the community needs. 
These investments will be helpful in improving the treatment of water intake system and large pumps being installed in reservoirs and at the treatment plant.
Source credit: https://www.heraldextra.com/sanpete-county/news/usda-invests-in-water-systems-in-states/article_4e87b458-34e5-5286-810e-ac5d8e7b2b82.html