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Grant: $1,100,000 |
Outline of Need: The current wastewater treatment plant is located in Delta County. The City of Cooper began its wastewater operation in 1978 and upgraded the facility in 1985, but there have not been any major facility improvements since then. Recently, the regulatory agency for the State of Texas determined that the wastewater treatment plant is not in compliance with existing regulations. In addition, the tributary to which the wastewater is discharged, Cannon Creek, has been classified and assigned a "high aquatic life use" designation. Funding of this project by USDA Rural Development will correct both the State's regulatory requirements and improve the aquatic life downstream. The facility currently has 930 connections, which serve 3,888 residents. |
How Rural Development Helped:
The City of Cooper has experienced a gradual decrease in both population and medium household income for the past several years. The existing tax rates are near maximum levels. The City is unable to provide the necessary improvements without obtaining financial assistance from USDA Rural Development.
The Results:
The low interest loan coupled with the grant will allow the City to improve the standard of living for all residents and keep monthly costs for users at reasonable rates.
Pictured, above: (Front Row L to R) Gail Green, Regional District, Senator John Cornyn's Office; Debbie Aikin, Congressman Max Sandlin's Office. (Middle Row L to R) Willie Wilkins, City of Cooper Alderman; Wendell Preas, City of Cooper Water/Wastewater Department; Don Williams, Community Development Specialist, USDA Rural Development; Scotty Stegall, City of Cooper Mayor; Margaret Eudy, City of Cooper Secretary; Reeves Hayter, Hayter Engineering; Kathleen Lappen, Hayter Engineering. (Back Row L to R) Delta County Judge Hugh Whitney.
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