Kathy Beisner (302) 857-3580

USDA FUNDING FOR FENWICK ISLAND SEWER

Ocean View, DE August 31, 2007 – Senator Tom Carper, Congressman Mike Castle and USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott announced a $2.8 million loan to Sussex County Council for improvements to the wastewater system that serves residents and businesses in the Fenwick Island Sanitary Sewer District.  County officials expect no change in annual user fees as a result of the improvements that are planned.

"I am encouraged by this project,” said Senator Carper.  “Fixing our existing infrastructure is
so important and it is great news that USDA is not only helping to improve something that is already in place but that there will be no annual cost accrued.  This is a win-win situation for all involved."                              

The Fenwick Island Sanitary Sewer District serves some 6,000 homes and businesses in the Town of Fenwick and nearby outlying areas.   The low interest loan at 4.25%, to be repaid by the County over 40 years, will be used to improve the flow of wastewater to the South Coastal Regional Wastewater Facility (SCRWF) located near Ocean View.  According to the County, the original sewer lines along Del. Route 54 were installed 26 years ago and are overwhelmed at times to handle the flow of wastewater to SCRWF.    During major rain events, backing up of wastewater has occurred.  Planned system improvements include upgrades to a pumping station and the construction of 6,600 feet of pipeline that will run parallel to the original pipes.  The parallel pipeline will eliminate the need to replace the existing sewer line beneath Del. Route 54 by diverting a portion of the flow to the new pipeline.

 "This project is tremendous and the impact will be felt by thousands of Delaware's coastal residents here in Fenwick,” said Congressman Castle.  “Having a solid wastewater system will improve not only the quality of water for residents but also the quality of life for the community.  I commend USDA and the Sussex County Council for their hard work to ensure the district has an updated and safe wastewater system."

             The announcement of the loan took place at SCRWF where a separate expansion project is underway.  That project was also made possible through USDA Rural Development funding.  In 2003, Rural Development provided a $7.5 million loan to allow the County to increase the wastewater treatment capacity at the plant.  During the peak season in July, SCRWF treated 5 million gallons of wastewater per day.  The expansion project will allow for 9 million gallons per day to be treated.  SCRWF is the largest wastewater treatment facility in Sussex County.

 “Throughout rural America, county governments and local municipalities face the incredible challenges of providing clean drinking water and environmentally sound disposal of wastewater,” Elliott said.  “Communities are called on to provide this vital service while facing an aging infrastructure and constant changes in the landscape.  USDA Rural Development is pleased to return the people’s money to Sussex County, to be a partner in protecting our environment, and to provide access to affordable loans and grants that help improve the quality of life in rural communities.”

The County estimates that design of the Del. Route 54 project will begin this fall with construction beginning a year later.  Officials are hopeful the system will be operational by the spring of 2009. 

            Assistant Sussex County Engineer Russell Archut said, “Sussex County is grateful for the continued support of our congressional delegation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  We have come to rely on this source of funding as a way of keeping the cost of sewer service at affordable levels.  This project will mitigate potential problems during storm events and ensure reliable service to the residents of the Fenwick Island area for years to come.”

            Since 2002 from Del. Route 26 to Del. Route 54, USDA Rural Development has provided more than $31 million in loans and grants to help improve water and wastewater systems.

             USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  They have more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their State Office in Dover at (302) 857-3580 or their Georgetown office at (302) 856-3990, ext. 5.  You can also visit Rural Development’s website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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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.