Temple, Texas, Nov 07, 2011 -- Five Texas recipients have been selected to receive over $4.6 million for rural water projects through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Services (RUS) program.

"Clean water is a basic necessity for the health and economic growth of Texas rural communities," said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “Rural Development is pleased to offer funding to these recipients to ensure water infrastructures are able to keep pace with the increase in populations of rural communities which will enhance the quality of life for their residents.”

Skywater Water Supply Corporation in Castro County will receive $1 million to build a new water system. The existing system was shut down in 2009 when the wells failed, forcing residents to haul water over 10 miles. The funds will also be used to build storage facilities and four miles of new distribution line to benefit rural residents.

Nueces River Authority of Real County was awarded over $2.3 million in loans and grants to provide first time wastewater service to 1,400 rural residents in the City of Leakey and local subdivisions. Leverett’s Chapel WSC will receive $765,000 in loans and grants to purchase a new storage tank to benefit residents in Rush County, while the Lake Bonaza WSC of Montgomery County will use $444,000 in funding to construct new distribution lines and construct a 150,000 gallon storage tank. The Military Highway WSC received an additional $2.1 million dollars for ongoing water system improvements throughout Hidalgo County.

These loans and grants are provided by USDA to help rural communities build and upgrade rural water systems. RUS funding provides funding for new connections to water and wastewater facilities, improves water quality and increases the efficiency of water use.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 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 $155 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/TXHome.html for additional information about the agency's programs or to locate the USDA Rural Development office in Texas.