FREEPORT, Apr 28, 2011 -- Officials from USDA Rural Development and the city of Freeport broke ground today on a $2.5 million project that will improve Freeport’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Rural Development is financing the project with a $1,352,000 low-interest loan and a $1,165,000 grant.

The loan portion comes from funds made available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama in February of 2009. The grant portion comes from Rural Development’s regular funding allocation.

“The Recovery Act made it possible to upgrade infrastructure and essential services throughout rural Minnesota,” USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer said. “The improvements to Freeport’s water and wastewater system ensure a more sustainable community and additional opportunities for economic development.”

Improvements scheduled to be made include building a new water tower, replacing water mains, water main looping improvements and replacing old sewer lines. The improvements will result in improved water flow, increased water pressure, higher water quality and safer treatment of wastewater. Over two miles of lines will be installed.

"The USDA funding package will provide the means for essential infrastructure upgrades in our community,” Freeport mayor Matt Worms said. “The upgrades will improve water quality, enhance public safety and ensure sustainable economic development in Freeport."

Rural Development has invested over $85 million in Recovery Act funds to make water and wastewater improvements throughout Minnesota. Using both Recovery Act and regular funds, Rural Development has invested over $133 million since 2009 to help communities address water and wastewater treatment issues.

Rural Development also has programs to improve housing, community facilities, businesses, renewable energy and high-speed Internet in rural areas. To learn more, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn, or call the local office in Cambridge at (763) 689-3354.