More Than $4 Billion in Loans Available for Rural Water Infrastructure Projects
By Dr. Carrie Castille, Louisiana Director, USDA Rural Development
Dr. Carrie Castille
Not long ago, the United States was a world leader in infrastructure investments. Federal and private funding helped even the most remote communities obtain electricity, running water and access to the rest of the world through telecommunications.
However, recent years have not followed the same trend, and too many rural communities have been left behind. The need for improvement is great, especially for rural water and wastewater systems.
To put this in perspective, the American Water Works Association estimates that more than $600 billion is needed over the next 20 years to upgrade our nation’s water and wastewater systems. Unfortunately, many operators of small and rural water systems lack access to affordable financing.
But there is hope for the future. This year, USDA Rural Development has more than $4 billion in direct loans available now to help rural communities build or upgrade water infrastructure. This is a substantial increase from last year. In 2017, USDA helped more than 2.5 million rural residents get access to upgraded water and wastewater systems. I am excited to see how many more people we can help with this unprecedented funding opportunity.
I encourage rural community leaders and water district operators to apply now for this assistance before the Sept. 30 deadline.
USDA’s support for rural water infrastructure is already making a big impact here in Louisiana. Last month, my staff and I traveled to East Feliciana to present certificates to two small rural water systems in dire need of upgrades to aging water infrastructure. Through Rural Development Water & Environmental Grant and Loan Program, East Feliciana Rural Water System received $9.3 million and East Feliciana Water Works #7 received $2.1 million for water system improvements. The loan rates and terms make the note affordable for the system and less burdensome on end users. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of Louisiana.
Water districts and rural communities can apply for USDA loans electronically using the interactive RDApply tool on the USDA Rural Development website (rd.usda.gov). With RDApply, you can create an application, upload attachments, and sign certifications, to name a few features. Contact the Rural Development Community Programs Department by emailing jared.hicks@la.usda.gov or (318) 473-7940.
Through strong partnerships, USDA is working to address ongoing issues with declining public water systems in rural communities throughout the state. Everyone should have safe drinking water and modernize water infrastructure in our state’s rural communities.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. If you have any questions, please contact me, carrie.castille@la.usda.gov or (318) 473.7921, to let us know how we can help.