Greene County water project among those announced by USDA Secretary Vilsack

Recovery Act Funds Will Help Improve Infrastructure Across Rural America

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2009 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of nearly $143 million in water and environmental projects that are being funded immediately through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The projects will help provide safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment systems for rural towns and communities in 21 states.

"President Obama's investments in these projects will ensure that residents have reliable drinking water in addition to helping local economies thrive as a result of the improved infrastructure," said Vilsack.

In Greene County, Tenn., the Old Knoxville Highway Water District has been selected to receive a $1,215,000 loan and $365,800 grant to increase capacity, improve conservation and extend safe reliable water service to families and businesses in areas without access to public water. The utility currently serves more than 3,500 customers.

The Defiance County Auglaize River Project in Defiance Co., Ohio, has been selected to receive a $5.2 million loan to build a wastewater and sewage collection system. The area has received environmental citations due to residential sewage discharging into the Auglaize River. The new treatment facility will be used by residents of Defiance and neighboring Paulding County, improving the living conditions of the area.

USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas. More information about USDA rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov .

Project List Water and Wastewater Funding: http://www.usda.gov/documents/ARRA_Water_Funding.pdf

For more information on Rural Development business, homeownership or community development programs in Northeast Tennessee, contact the agency's Area Office in Greeneville at 423-638-4771, ext 4 or 800-342-3149, ext.1490.

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