WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 18 - Three east-central South Carolina counties will receive $7,810,900 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for domestic water and wastewater 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 and wastewater 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 and environmentally sound wastewater treatment facilities is an example of good government."
Trico Water Company, Inc., serving Dillon County, will receive a $1,298,700 loan and a $997,000 grant to make repairs and additions to their current water system. The funds will be used to construct a new 500,000 gallon elevated water tank; construct a new 1,500,000 gallon water storage tank and to make repairs to existing equipment and facilities.
Oswego Rural Water Company, Inc., serving Sumter County, will receive a $1,686,300 loan and a $904,400 grant. The funds will be used to erect a 125,000 gallon water tank, water line extensions, and site preparations for a new water tank.
The town of Eastover, located in Richland County, will receive a $884,100 loan and a $2,040,400 grant to expand and upgrade their current wastewaster treatment facilities. The funds will also be used to help close one treatment facility; install new collection and discharge lines and to purchase new equipment.
"Today's funding announcement for South Carolina reinforces this Administration's priority for targeting public health benefits and economic opportunities to rural communities," Bernie Wright, Rural Development State Director for South Carolina, said today. "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 $31 million in water and wastewater loans and grants for South Carolina. This money was used to fund 17 projects across the state, which translates into approximately 16,841 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:
Clark Ray, (202) 720-5579
Bernie Wright, (803) 765-5163