USDA officials announced June 26 the agency is investing $192 million in 71 projects located across 29 states to improve rural water infrastructure. Nine of those projects, totaling $15.3 million, are assisting people living in rural Iowa communities.

A statement released by USDA’s Rural Development agency said, “Safe and reliable water infrastructure is critical to the health, safety and economic vitality of rural America. Without access to safe water and functional wastewater treatment, sustainable growth in rural areas is not possible.”

USDA is making the $192 million investment through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural communities, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Grant Menke, USDA Rural Development state director in Iowa, announced the following investments assisting rural Iowans:

Sigourney in Keokuk County. The city is receiving a $3.85 million loan to update its wastewater treatment system. The city of 2,059 will buy a backup generator, install a new aeration system and construct a submerged, activated growth reactor system. These improvements will enable the system to meet new ammonia limits set by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

Ellsworth in Hamilton County. The city, with a population of 531, is receiving a $300,000 loan and $100,000 grant to provide additional financing for stormwater improvement. The project will alleviate reoccurring localized flooding in the community, and address health and safety concerns and property damage. 

Squaw Valley South Subdivision in Story County. The subdivision is getting a $1.4 million loan to demolish a wastewater treatment plant and replace it with an activated sludge treatment plant. The new plant will replace a 40-year-old facility that is quickly deteriorating and nearing the end of its useful life. The plant will also meet new ammonia and disinfection requirements set by Iowa DNR.

Blairsburg in Hamilton County. The town of 215 is receiving a $660,000 loan and $300,000 grant to improve its wastewater system. The project will build a new lift station and a new transmission line from the lift station to the lagoon. The current lift station has insufficient pumping capacity and doesn’t meet current design standards. As a result, wastewater backs up into basements and discharges through the top of manholes throughout the community.

Kimballton in Audubon County. The town, population 322, is receiving a $1.46 million loan and $1.4 million grant to make major capital improvements to its municipal water system. Funds from this project will be used to replace water mains, install new piping to create a looped distribution system, construct a 50,000-gallon elevated storage tower, purchase a backup generator, and make various repairs and updates to the water treatment plant. These improvements will update the city’s aging infrastructure and improve water pressure throughout the community. 

Lewis in Cass County. The town of 433 is receiving a $1.04 million loan and $1 million grant to improve its wastewater collection system, including spot repairs in 14 locations, lining 5,000 feet of pipe, repairing manholes, constructing a third cell in the lagoon and adding ultraviolet disinfection to the treatment system. Repairs and new treatment will help the city meet new Iowa DNR testing limits.

Massena in Cass County. The community of 414 is receiving a $925,000 loan and $927,000 grant to improve its wastewater treatment facility. Lagoons will be updated with a submerged attached growth reactor system, and ultraviolet disinfection will be installed. Without these repairs and updates, the treatment facility will fail to meet new compliance limits for ammonia-nitrogen and E. coli.

Dow City in Crawford County. The city, population 510, is getting a $557,000 loan to construct a new well. Both of the city’s current wells will be taken out of service, as water from them contains high nitrate levels. The new well will ensure city residents have access to safe and reliable drinking water.

Martensdale in Warren County. The city of 465 people  is receiving a $1 million loan and $400,000 grant to improve its sanitary collection system to reduce excessive inflow and infiltration. The project will consist of sewer main and manhole rehabilitation, or replacement, lining about 6,000 feet and replacing the trunk main to the treatment facility with 15-inch pipe.

USDA announced these investments for Iowa and similar investments in 29 states. Congress appropriated $2.9 billion for USDA Water and Environmental Program loans and grants in fiscal year 2019. USDA will make more funding announcements in coming weeks. View the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one of the state or field offices for application or eligibility information.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For information on programs available, visit rd.usda.gov/ia or call 515-284-4663.

Source: USDA, which is responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren’t responsible for any content in this information asset.