Monticello, N.Y. – Sept. 3, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the funding of a project in New York that will improve wastewater services for the Village of Monticello, create construction jobs and support community development. The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).
"This project not only will improve water quality in the community and surrounding area, it contributes to the Obama administration's continued efforts that improve the local quality of life and create opportunities for job growth," Vilsack said. "This project and others like it across the country are contributing to restoring America's economy while improving the quality of life in communities like the Village of Monticello."
The Village of Monticello has been selected to receive a $7.9 million loan $6.4 million grant for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, collection system, and sewer mains. The funds will also provide for energy efficiency improvements to wastewater treatment buildings. The improvements will benefit the owners of over 1,500 homes and businesses and help alleviate system overloading while also satisfying regulatory issues raised by a state agency.
USDA's Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas, and to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment.
The funding of this Recovery Act project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan and grant agreement. President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law last year. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.
