USDA is investing $331 million in 85 projects that will improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 39 states and American Samoa.

"Strategic investments like these into community infrastructure provide a path to rural economic growth," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Water and wastewater upgrades protect the health and safety of those who live and work in rural areas, and are especially critical given today's aging infrastructure in areas that have not fully benefited from rural America's economic rebound. Modernizing water and wastewater systems improves the quality of life and can help attract jobs to rural communities."

USDA is investing $331 million in 85 projects that will improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 39 states and American Samoa. (Photo: moodboard/Thinkstock)

USDA is providing $264 million in loans and $67 million in grants through Rural Development's Water & Environmental Programs. These programs provide assistance and financing to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems for communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

The Summit Springs Regional Waste District in Henry County, Ind., is receiving a $1.4 million loan and a $4.2 million grant for a sewer rehabilitation project to address raw sewage leakages and to comply with environmental regulations.

Of the 85 projects announced today, 21 are located in StrikeForce areas, and one project – an Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant in Jackson, Ky., – is also in an area targeted for assistance by the Obama Administration's Promise Zone initiative. These 21 projects are receiving more than $63 million in loans and $30 million in grants, which is 28% of today's total investment and nearly 45% of the grant funding.

Funding for each project announced today is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement.

Source: USDA