Floresville , TX – May 11, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced nearly $30 million for 15 projects to build and improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities across Texas.“Modern, reliable and affordable water and wastewater infrastructure is the foundation on which strong, sustainable rural communities are built,” Mensah said. “Rural Development is committed to ensuring that rural Americans, including nearly 20 million rural Texans, have access to the economic opportunities that modern water and wastewater services bring.”The investments were highlighted today at an event at Floresville High School where community members joined USDA officials and Rep. Henry Cuellar to celebrate the community’s achievement. USDA Rural Development provided the City of Floresville with a $7.5 million loan and a $1.8 million grant to upgrade a wastewater treatment plant. In addition to USDA funding, the community contributed $180,000 to complete the project.
USDA’s Rural Utilities Service provides funding for water and wastewater facilities in rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Since 2009, USDA has invested $390 million in water and waste infrastructure that will improve the quality of life for 523,000 rural Texans.
Today’s announcement is a result of “Build-Out Texas,” a special USDA initiative to improve critical infrastructure across the state. This program attests to Rural Development’s dedication to improving the quality of life in rural communities. Visit the Rural Development website to learn more about funding opportunities in Texas.
Several projects announced today are USDA SEARCH grants that help small rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. This predevelopment work is an important first step for these communities. It helps them obtain modern, reliable services and create economic opportunity for their residents. View the complete list of Texas communities receiving funding.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.
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