WASHINGTON, D.C., December 17 - Two Southeast Arkansas counties have received $3,866,100 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for domestic water projects, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson announced today. USDA Rural Development administers a number of programs designed to strengthen rural economies and expand infrastructure in rural areas.
"Rural Development's domestic water programs are an example of USDA's and the Clinton-Gore Administration's priority of helping rural communities provide basic services to local citizens," Long Thompson said. "Providing communities with necessities such as a clean and safe drinking water supply is an example of good government." "Every person, regardless of where they live, should be able to turn on their tap and receive a clean drink of water."
Fountain Hill will receive a $1,280,000 loan and a $1,552,700 grant to extend the current water system to an additional 295 users who presently do not have access to an adequate, safe water supply. Funds will also be used to make needed improvements to the existing systems treatment facility and pumping station. Dermott will receive a $349,000 loan and a $684,300 grant to extend the current water system to an additional 126 residents who are currently unable to access a safe potable water supply. Funds will also be used to make improvements to the current system.
"Today's funding announcement for Arkansas reinforces this Administration's priority for targeting public health benefits and economic opportunities to rural communities," John Edwards, Arkansas State Director for USDA Rural Development, said. "USDA's water program helps make basic services, such as a safe drinking water supply affordable in rural communities."
In Fiscal Year 1997, the Clinton-Gore Administration approved over $36 million in water and wastewater loans and grants for Arkansas. This money was used to fund 28 projects across the state, which translates into approximately 30,107 individuals who now have safe clean drinking water and sanitary waste water systems.
In 1995, USDA conducted a state-by-state water needs assessment that determined more than 2.4 million rural Americans, which includes one million rural Americans who do not have water piped into their homes, have a critical need for safe, dependable drinking water. Another 5.6 million were identified as having additional serious needs under the Safe Drinking Water Act requirement, including water pressure problems, a lack of adequate water storage facilities, and outdated distribution systems. USDA's Water and Waste Water program is administered through USDA Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service.
Contacts:
Rural Development Public Affairs Director Clark Ray, (202) 720-5579
Arkansas Public Information Coordinator Bobby Bell, (501) 324-6275