USDA PUMPS $3.5 MILLION INTO SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Cape May to Benefit from Federal Water Program
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 16, 1998 -- Southern New Jersey's Cape May County will receive $3,500,000 in grants and loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a domestic water project in the city of Cape May, 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."
The City of Cape May will receive a $2,500,000 loan repayable in 40 years at 4.5% and a $1,000,000 grant. The funds will be used to build a new desalination plant and to upgrade the current systems pumping facilities. Funds will also be used to help the City develop a new water source. When complete, the project will provide water service to approximately 4,916 residents.
"Today's funding announcement for New Jersey reinforces this Administration's priority for targeting public health benefits and economic opportunities to rural communities," Ernest Grunow, New Jersey 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 $16 million in water and wastewater loans and grants for New Jersey. This money was used to fund 9 projects across the state, which translates into approximately 20,455 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
New Jersey Rural Development State Director Ernest Grunow, (609) 265-3651