WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss. and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and Congressman Gregg Harper, R-Miss., announced a $3.47 million federal grant and loan award to improve the water system of Crooked Creek Water Association in Lawrence County.

“This USDA Rural Development investment is great news for the people of Lawrence County,” Wicker said.  “A safe and efficient water system is crucial to the health and well-being of our communities.  This project will provide residents with a clean and accessible water supply for years to come.”

“As new water systems improvements are completed, the rural residents, churches, and businesses that rely on the Crooked Creek Water Association will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this USDA Rural Development funding,” Hyde-Smith said.  “This award is another instance of the USDA Rural Development office in Mississippi putting its focus on improving basic services for rural communities in our state.”

“Our small, local water utilities are tasked with providing clean, safe water to keep families healthy and businesses profitable.  However, they are often burdened with maintaining outdated facilities, predicting and preventing problems, and certifying plans are up to code with limited resources,” Harper said.  “I appreciate USDA working with the Crooked Creek Water Association to provide safe drinking water to its customers.”

USDA Rural Development approved a $1,981,000 low-interest loan and a $1,489,000 grant to improve the existing water system of Crooked Creek Water Association, which experienced a 57 percent water loss average last year. 

The funding will allow the New Hebron-based association to correct problems with the aging water system to ensure the safety of the water supply.  Planned upgrades include constructing two new water supply wells, installing radio read meters for all connections, implementing a SCADA monitoring and control system, installing well generators, and replacing water distribution system elements as needed.