CITY OF SEBRING RECEIVES $3.1 MILLION FROM USDA
City Residents to benefit from Federal Waste Water Program
Gainesville, FL -- February 3 -- The City of Sebring will receive $3,152,000 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for waste water improvements, 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 Developments waste water program is an example of USDA's and the Clinton-Gore Administration's commitment to helping rural communities provide basic services to local citizens," USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson stated. "USDA's waste water program helps make a basic service, such as an environmentally sound waste water supply affordable in rural communities."
Sebring will receive a $1,852,000 loan and a $1,300,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. The funds will enable Sebring to upgrade its sewer system. The project includes modifications to the collection lines, pump stations, and forcemains. The funds will also be used to expand the current treatment plant.
"Today's funding announcement for Florida reinforces the Administration's priority for targeting public health benefits and economic opportunities to rural communities," Whitfield said. "Rural Development's programs are designed to help communities grow and expand. This new system will benefit a lot of people who live in and around the Sebring community."
USDA's Water and Waste Water program, administered through USDA's Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service, is designed to bring fresh, clean drinking water and sanitary and environmentally sound wastewater facilities to rural America. Loans and grants are available to rural communities of fewer than 10,000 residents.
Contacts:
Legislative and Public Affairs Director
Clark Ray, (202) 720-5579
Florida Rural Development Sate Director
Ron Whitfield, (352) 338-3400