Money for upgrades to south Douglas water system among $5.9M in USDA grants announced for rural Nevada
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 12/16/2021 - 11:57am
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday that federal agency is investing $5.9 million to build and improve critical infrastructure in rural Nevada. The investments will help expand access to clean water in people’s homes and businesses in rural communities across the state.
“When we invest in rural infrastructure, we invest in the livelihoods and health of people in rural America,” Vilsack said. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is committed to Building a Better America by investing in America’s rural infrastructure, expanding access to broadband, clean drinking water and resilient power infrastructure. The investments we are announcing today will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably so that everyone gets ahead for decades to come.”
This announcement follows the recent passage of President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development’s programs are helping people, businesses and communities address critical infrastructure needs to help rural America build back better.
In Nevada, four projects will help people access clean water and ensure the future of dependable infrastructure. They are funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program and the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program:
Topaz Ranch Estates General Improvement District in Douglas County will use a $277,000 loan and $773,480 grant to improve a water distribution system and establish a reliable water source for the community it serves of 1,500 people. This project includes drilling a new well, replacing transmission mains and valves, improving a remote alarm system, and incorporating generators.
Mount Rose Bowl Property Owners’ Water Company Inc. is a small, non-profit water company in Washoe County and is receiving a $303,300 grant to complete construction of a water storage tank and aeration building. This project will allow the water company to better serve its 15 users as it meets state safety standards for drinking water.
The City of Carlin in Elko County will use a $4,353,000 loan to replace old water transmission main lines. The original lines date back to the 1930s and require frequent repairs. Replacing these lines will save the community of 2,300 people from losing water as it is transferred from source springs to storage tanks and reduce the burden of excessive maintenance.
The Native American Water Association will use a $213,111 grant to provide technical assistance and training to Tribal water and wastewater operators, managers, utility commissions, and Tribal leadership. This training and technical assistance addresses needs specific to participating Tribes as they maintain efficient and up-to-date drinking water and wastewater systems.
Vilsack highlighted 359 investments totaling $5.2 billion that USDA is making in seven programs designed to help people in rural areas access high-speed internet, clean water and dependable electric power. These programs include Community Connect Grants, Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees, Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees, Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants and Water and Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
