USDA TO HELP PROVIDE CLEAN DRINKING WATER TO STEWART COUNTY
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 13 - Georgia's Stewart County will receive $1,568,300 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson announced today. USDA is financing the project as part of the Administration's Water 2000 initiative. U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop and Georgia Rural Development State Director Laura Meadows joined the Under Secretary for the check presentation in Lumpkin.
"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."
The Stewart County Water and Sewer Authority will receive a $556,700 loan and a $1,011,600 grant to expand the existing water system with the construction of a 100 gallon per minute well and filter plant; a 100,000 gallon elevated tank and to add additional distribution piping and fire hydrants. When the project is completed, this expansion will add 170 residential and two commercial users to the Authority's system for a total of 404 users.
"Today's funding announcement for Georgia reinforces this Administration's priority for targeting public health benefits and economic opportunities to rural communities," stated Meadows. "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 $30 million in water and wastewater loans and grants for Georgia. This money was used to fund a number of projects across the state, which translates into approximately 8,065 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.
CONTACT:
Rural Development Legislative and Public Affairs Director Clark Ray
(202) 720-5579
Georgia Rural Development State Director Laura Meadows
(706) 546-2162