United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Indiana Michael Dora announced more than $5.2 million in investments to help rebuild and improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure for 6,875 rural Indiana residents.
Nationwide, USDA is working with local partners to provide financing for 49 water and environmental infrastructure projects. The funding is being provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
Eligible communities and water districts can apply online on the interactive RD Apply tool or through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.
The city of Rensselaer is receiving a $3.4 million loan (and a $1.7 million grant) to connect three unserved areas of the city to the sewer system and to replace the main lift station. The homes that will be connected are served by individual septic systems that do not perform well in rainy conditions. This project will benefit 5,859 residents.
The town of Troy is receiving a $182,000 loan to provide additional financing to build a new water treatment plant, install booster pumps and related appurtenances. The town will contribute $50,000 toward the project. The town of Troy serves 1,016 residents.