WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators  Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Representatives Gregg Harper, R-Miss., and Trent Kelly, R-Miss., today announced more than $6.8 million in federal grants and low-interest loans to improve water and wastewater systems for three rural Mississippi communities.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has approved $1.53 million in grants and $5.33 million in loans to finance system upgrades in rural areas of Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston Counties.  The funding is provided through the Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants Program.

“Strong public utilities are important for any community to thrive,” Wicker said.  “I’m glad these deserving Mississippi communities can soon take steps to improve their water infrastructure and provide safe, clean water to their residents.”

“Rural Development loans and grants help rural communities update and expand water infrastructure.  Reliable water and wastewater services are important for quality of life and economic growth in rural Mississippi,” Cochran said.  “I’m pleased this financial assistance will be put to good use in our state.”

“Water and wastewater systems are vital to ensuring our rural communities are safe and sustainable,” said Harper.  “I am glad that these funds will go toward improving water infrastructure for the hardworking Mississippi residents and businesses in Lauderdale, Lee, and Winston counties.”

“It is important that we properly maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure across Mississippi,” Kelly said.  “These funds will help improve quality of life for residents and business owners.”

The Toomsuba Water System in Lauderdale County will receive $3.0 million ($1.92 million loan, $1.23 million grant) for a well, pressure filters, backwash tank, detention tank, aerator, sludge pond, concrete control chemical building, chlorinator building and improvements to the water treatment plant.

The Mooreville-Richmond Water Association in Lee County was awarded a $2.0 million loan for a new well, generator, chemical building and equipment, and distribution upgrades. 

The Liberty Plattsburg Waster Association in Winston County was awarded a total of $2.42 million ($1.4 million loan, $416,000 grant) to construct a new 300 GPM water well and new treatment plant.  The association is contributing $600,000 toward this effort.

Each loan is for a 40-year term at 1.875 percent interest.

The Water and Waste Water Disposal Loans and Grants program is designed to help rural areas, towns and tribal communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer.  The program is intended to help ensure better access to reliable drinking water and wastewater systems for rural residents and businesses.

USDA Rural Development Awards Grants, Loans to Improve Water and Wastewater Systems in Lauderdale, Lee & Winston Counties