USDA Rural Development--Earth Day 2003 Event

Committed to the future of rural communities

Earth Day 2003: City of Arco, Idaho

Loan:    $1,300,000
Grant:   $1,000,000

Other:*    $500,000

* Department of Commerce

Total:    $2,800,000

Outline of Need:

The current wastewater facilities are not adequate to meet the needs and usage of the community. They were constructed over 20 years ago. Much of the equipment is worn out, and the operation is substandard. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seriously concerned about the substandard performance of several processes in the current system and has informed the City that it will not be "re-permitted" and that the system must be brought up to State standards.

How Rural Development Helped:

Rural Development, along with the Department of Commerce is providing financing totaling $2,800,000 to make the improvements necessary to meet current standards and regulations for the wastewater treatment and efficient disposal of effluent.

The Results:

With the help of Rural Development and its financial partners, the City of Arco will have their main pump station and aeration system replaced, sludge will be removed, lagoon dikes will be reshaped, there will be a construction of a winter storage pond and improvements to the disinfection system. The City of Arco will also be able to purchase land for construction of a sprinkler irrigation system for effluent disposal and other miscellaneous need improvements to the existing facilities. The water system serves 524 users and a population of 1,024. The end result will be a safe and effective water treatment system that meets State standards.

Idaho Rural Development State Director Mike Field and City of Arco Mayor Carol Jardine holding the ceremonial $2,300,000 check for the water treatment plant Congressional Representatives, Mayor Jardine and City Council Members surround the check

Pictured, above: (L) Idaho Rural Development State Director Mike Field and City of Arco Mayor Carol Jardine holding the ceremonial $2,300,000 check for the water treatment plant; (R) Congressional Representatives, Mayor Jardine and City Council Members surround the check.

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Rural Development is within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administers rural business, cooperative, housing, utilities and community development programs.