Federal funds available to reduce water pollution and

improve solid waste management in rural areas

October 08, 2009 - NASHVILLE, Tenn. – USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode announced applications are now being accepted for the agency's Solid Waste Management Grant Program. Goode said the agency expects to award about 40 grants totaling $3.4 million nationwide.

According to Goode, "The program provides funding to non-profits or public bodies that provide free technical assistance or training to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas. Funds may also be used to improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas."

Details of the program eligibility requirements and more information on how funds may be used are available at www.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp. Search for funding opportunity number RDUP-SWMGRANT-093009-FY20.

Applications must be received Dec. 31, 2009. Interested parties in Tennessee are encouraged to contact Terence McGhee in the USDA Rural Development State Office for details and assistance with the application process, 615-783-1345 or 800-342-3149 ext. 5.

USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, businesses, community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 864,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $655 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

More information on Rural Development programs and a list of local offices is available in Tennessee is available online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

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