The federal government has approved $692,000 for a new water district in the Town of Barre, Orleans County.
This was announced by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand on Tuesday the 24th of Feb.
The grant will go towards constructing a new water main, valves, and hydrants that will extend clean water access to residents in the area – residents who currently have contaminated private wells.
Orleans Hub reports:
“The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.
“With this funding and low-interest loan, the Town of Barre in Orleans County will now be able to make crucial improvements to its water district without passing the entire financial burden onto local taxpayers,” Schumer said. “This water main expansion is a wise investment in infrastructure that will enhance access to clean drinking water, which is vital to the town and its residents’ long-term health and prosperity.”
USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pleased that this federal funding can be used to invest in and enhance the livelihoods of those living in Barre, promoting growth and longevity in rural communities.
It is great that these funds exist that can help smaller communities to improve their infrastructure assets for the future.
Inframanage.com notes that this is a good news story for a small town.
Federal grants can assist towns in getting water infrastructure projects over the line, and be improving infrastructure and associated public health benefits for residents.
Additional operation and maintenance costs following this investment will be a cost to property owners, but a small price to pay for the better benefits received.
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