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 Lake Arthur,
Louisiana
LAKE ARTHUR, April 22, 2008 – Earth Day is celebrated around the
world as a day to promote awareness of environmental issues. In
Louisiana, USDA officials recognized Earth Day by announcing key
environmental projects that will impact area residents.
Willie F. Cooper, State Executive
Director for USDA Farm Service Agency, announced a sign-up period
for a new wildlife enhancement program – State Acres for Wildlife
Enhancement (SAFE). The sign-up is scheduled to begin May 5, 2008.
“SAFE is designed
to restore native grassland and shallow water habitats in selected
regions around the United States,” said Cooper. “In Louisiana,
agricultural owners and operators in eight southwestern Louisiana
parishes may be eligible to sign-up for this program.”
Clyde C. Holloway, State Director for
USDA Rural Development, announced funding for three
environmentally-important projects:
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Jefferson Davis Parish Waterworks
District 4 (Jefferson Davis Parish) – Over $1.1 million in USDA
Rural Development direct loan funds will be used to renovate and
expand the water system.
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Magnolia Plantation Water System, Inc.
(Vermilion Parish) – Over $3 million in USDA Rural Development
direct loan funds will be used to upgrade the water treatment
facility and water distribution system.
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Town of Melville (St. Landry Parish) –
Over $1.1 million in USDA Rural Development direct loan funds and
$172,985 in USDA Rural Development grant funds will be used to
renovate Melville’s waste water system and extend sewer service to
an additional 35 homes.
“Very few things
are more important to a community than clean, safe drinking water or
a safe waste water disposal system,” said Holloway. “Rural
Development works with rural communities to make sure residents have
access to these basic necessities.”
Kevin Norton, State
Conservationist for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS),
joined Cooper and Holloway to celebrate Earth Day.
“NRCS’s mission is
to help people help the land,” said Norton. “We help people every
day care for the Earth; so, I guess you could say that every day is
Earth Day for us.”
The Natural
Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership
effort to help America's private land owners and managers conserve
soil, water, and other natural resources. NRCS provides technical
assistance based on sound science and suited to each customer's
specific needs. NRCS also provides financial assistance for many
conservation activities.
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