Infrastructure improvements will replace aging infrastructure, safeguard groundwater
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey announced that the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded nearly $10 million in loans and grants to the Ligonier Township Municipal Authority in Westmoreland County for wastewater system improvements. The funding is contained in the Recovery Act of 2009.
Funding announced today is administered by the USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program which seeks to increase the safety and quality of water in rural areas by way of improvements for solid waste and storm drainage facilities. In addition to these improvements, the loans and grants continue to stimulate job growth by providing for technical assistance and training for wastewater and solid waste problems.
“This funding is a necessary investment in wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in Ligonier,” Specter said. “I am pleased to see the stimulus funds at work in Westmoreland County.”
“By maintaining and updating our wastewater systems we can reduce pollution to ensure that Pennsylvanians benefit from a clean environment,” said Senator Casey. “It is good to see Recovery Act funds being used to keep Ligonier Township’s wastewater infrastructure in top condition.”
Today’s loan and grant announcement for Westmoreland County is part of a larger announcement from the Department of Agriculture for 60 projects in 20 states and totals $159 million. To date, USDA has announced $2.3 billion in Recovery Act funds for water and environmental projects.
According to the Department of Agriculture, funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement as administered by USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program.
For more information, please visit http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/index.htm
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