Lexington, KY, Nov 10, 2011 -- Federal officials are in Lawrenceburg today to announce support for a project that will improve water service and benefit the environment for the residents of Anderson County.

Congressman Ben Chandler will join USDA Rural Development State Director Tom Fern and Commissioner Tony Wilder, Kentucky Department for Local Government, in presenting a ceremonial check to the South Anderson Water District for $1 million. The funding, made available through Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program, will be used for system improvements and to extend new water lines to an unserved area of the county.

“USDA invests in rural water and community facility projects that not only protect America’s natural resources but also provide a clean environment and economic opportunities for current and future generations,” Fern said. “Rural Development is especially proud of its role in helping rural communities and citizens gain access to safe and reliable drinking water, and in helping to improve environmental quality in rural areas.”

Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) provide loans, grants and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of 10,000 or less. Public bodies and non-profit organizations may qualify for assistance. Rural Development also makes grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities with their water, wastewater, and solid waste problems. For more information, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/UWEP_HomePage.html.

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 the nation's capital and nearly 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 nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

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