MT. LAUREL, Mar 22, 2011 -- The USDA Rural Development State Director Howard Henderson announced Pioneer Pipe Company has been given the green light to begin work on the Town Bank Water Main Project in Lower Township. The total funding package to Lower Township Municipal Utility Authority included a loan in the amount of $8,167,000 and a grant in the amount of $2,686,000 through the USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program.

Phase 1 of this 4 Phase water improvement project is the water transmission line that will connect the lower and upper portion of the water system along the Delaware Bay. The main will be constructed on Clubhouse Road and Bay Drive including Wildwood from Bay Drive to Bayshore Road. Portions of surrounding roads will also be included.

The project will ensure each resident in the project area will have access to safe and dependable water supply meeting all State and Federal Safe Drinking Water guidelines. This project will also improve fire safety for residents.

“This project is an investment in our health and in our economic grow,” said Senator Menendez. “Not only will it ensure a clean water supply while protecting the environment, it will create construction jobs to help people get back to work immediately. I am proud to have helped champion this cause in the Senate and look forward seeing the positive impact it will have on Lower Township’s families.”

“This project will put people to work, improve the health of families and communities, and protect our environment for future generations,” said Henderson.

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environment Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to provide safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

Further information on our programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nj.