November 13, 2009 - BOLIVAR,
"Providing safe, reliable drinking water is a
fundamental responsibility of government. I am pleased that these funds will be
available so that Bolivar can provide this essential service," said
According to Bolivar Mayor Barrett Stevens a Rural
Development loan of $1,484,000 and grant of $416,000 will fund improvements and
needed upgrades to the Bolivar water treatment facility. The facility was
constructed in 1964. Some parts for the aging equipment are no longer standard
and have to be individually machined each time replacements are needed.
Planned improvements include new filter control valves,
console controllers, new filter media, centrally controlled telemetry for water
storage tanks, and a turbine meter at the water intake. The Bolivar water system
serves more than 2,100 customers and additionally provides water to the Spring
Creek Utility District. The system will also be extended to supply the Hardeman
County Criminal Justice Complex now under
construction.
Stevens said another Rural Development loan of $121,000
and a $75,000 grant will fund replacement of a city sanitation truck and street
sweeper destroyed by fire last February. Insurance will cover the balance of
$163,000 for the vehicle purchases.
"Safe, reliable water and equipment for civic services
are basic necessities for families and is essential for economic development,"
said Goode. "Thanks to the support of Representative Blackburn, Rural
Development has the financial resources Bolivar needs to improve the quality of
life here in
Rural Development community programs finance
construction or improvements to essential services like reliable access to clean
water, wastewater treatment, healthcare, education, job training and first
responder facilities. Loan-guarantees encourage private lenders to expand the
availability of affordable financing in rural communities. Direct loans and
grants create sound financial opportunities for local governments to meet
essential infrastructure needs. Funding for water projects targets areas with
populations of less than 10,000. Other community programs may be used in areas
with populations up to 20,000.
Others participating in the event included Sen. Bob
Corker's Representative Jennifer Weems, Hardeman County Mayor Willie Spencer,
State Senator Dolores Gresham, State Representatives Barrett Rich and Johnny
Shaw, Bolivar Mayor Barrett Stevens, Bolivar Utilities Director Clyde Dillinger, Public
Works Director Lloyd Bell, City Administrator Sheila Dillinger, RD Area Director
Harriet Cannon and staff Bish Thomas and Dorothy Walls.
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, businesses,
community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural
communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 866,000
For more information on Rural Development programs
available in southwest
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