Cyndi Eichler (302

Cyndi Eichler (302

Cyndi Eichler (302) 857-3593 or (302) 270-5767

Ag Funds will help with septic system problem near Millsboro

            Millsboro, DE August 9, 2007 – Senator Tom Carper, Congressman Mike Castle and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott announced a $15,000 grant to the Homeowners Association of Woodlands of Millsboro to help seek a solution to septic system woes in this small rural neighborhood.

            “Once again, our friends at the USDA are helping those in need by funding 75 percent of this important public works project.  Being problem-solvers, the USDA follows these projects through successfully and helps head off what could have been a very serious issue in Delaware,” said Senator Carper.

            Woodlands of Millsboro is a 57 home community 3 miles west of Millsboro. The community is approximately 20 years old and has a privately owned and operated central wastewater system. The system provides for a shared holding tank for each 2 homes and a 3 acre leach field on the property. The system, which met DNREC regulations at the time of its installation, is not currently in compliance with DNREC standards.

            “This is an important step for the Woodland Mills community to ensure a safe and effective septic system.  When critical issues like this arise, it is essential that we come together as a community to tackle these problems and look for a viable solution,” Congressman Castle said.  “I applaud USDA for stepping in and helping Woodland Mills when they needed it most.”

            The residents need to obtain a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to determine the extent of the problem and the estimated cost for a solution. This grant provided by USDA Rural Development will pay for up to 75% of the cost of the Report. The community will then work with DNREC and USDA Rural Development to seek funding for the necessary repairs.

            USDA Rural Development has over 40 programs that involve homeownership opportunities, rental housing, home repair, business development, community facilities and community infrastructure.  Last year, the agency returned more than $33 million to rural Delaware.  To learn more about the agency and the programs that they offer, visit their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov or call their state office located in Dover at (302) 857-3580.

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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be

           sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.