HYDE-SMITH: USDA APPROVES $3.27 MILLION FOR INFRASTUCTURE UPGRADES IN LAUDERDALE & SUNFLOWER COUNTIES

HYDE-SMITH:  USDA APPROVES $3.27 MILLION FOR INFRASTUCTURE UPGRADES IN LAUDERDALE & SUNFLOWER COUNTIES

USDA Rural Development Offers Loan & Grants for Water, Wastewater Upgrades in Rural Mississippi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a total of $3.27 million in loan and grant funding to upgrade water infrastructure in rural Lauderdale and Sunflower counties.

Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, said the USDA Rural Development funding will go to the Southwest Lauderdale Water Association and the Town of Sunflower.  The FY2018 Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program funding will go toward wells, new waterlines, and other work to rehabilitate the two systems.

“Water infrastructure that is up to modern standards is important to the quality of life in rural communities, and pivotal in attracting and sustaining economic growth,” Hyde-Smith said.  “I’m pleased USDA Rural Development is investing in Mississippi, where need remains significant throughout the state.”

The Southwest Lauderdale Water Association will use a $2.56 million loan to construct a second 600 gallons-per-minute well as a backup to an existing well.  The loan will also be used to expand and upgrade wastewater treatment operations and replace undersized water mains.  The work is expected to improve service for more than 3,600 water customers.

The Town of Sunflower will receive a $716,000 grant/loan package ($507,000 grant, $209,000 loan) to rehabilitate an elevated water storage tank to comply with a bilateral compliance agreement with the Mississippi Department of Health.  The funding will also be used to evaluate and make repairs to the town’s wastewater system.

The USDA indicated rural communities may apply for other FY2018 USDA loans and grant funding by using an interactive RD Apply tool or applying through the USDA Rural Development office in Mississippi.

In May, Hyde-Smith voted to advance the FY2019 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for consideration by the full Senate.  This measure recommended an additional $825 million for infrastructure investments in rural America.  Overall, the bill contains $1.15 billion for the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, $800 million for water and waste grants, and $19 million for the Circuit Rider program.

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