LMR_September proof8

Partner Insight
Rural Development
MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE IS A FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC
GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
BY USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT STATE DIRECTOR DR. CARRIE CASTILLE
In Louisiana, approximately 58% of water systems are
over 50 years old and need to be replaced. In serious
cases, deteriorating systems can result in public health
issues. Modern, reliable water infrastructure is vital
not only to public health, but also essential to the
economic vitality of small rural communities.
During the LMA Annual Convention, USDA Rural
Development (RD) along with members of the LA
Rural Water Infrastructure Committee (LRWIC)
participated in a rural water roundtable discussion.
Municipal leaders were afforded the opportunity to ask
questions to address aging water systems and funding
opportunities that many small struggling communities
are facing today. We are working to bring resources
together in a coordinated and collaborative effort to
address ongoing issues with declining public water
systems in rural communities.
Through RD’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and
Grant program, funding is available to assist small
rural communities with replacement or construction
of water and sewage systems to obtain clean and
reliable drinking water in rural communities. Funds
may be used for legal and engineering fees, land
acquisition, capitalized interest, equipment, and startup
operations and maintenance. A rural community
with fewer than 10,000 people is eligible to apply for
funding. Applicants can be public bodies, non-profit
corporations and federally recognized Indian tribes.
RD water programs are making a difference here in
Louisiana. For example, the Poland Water Association,
Inc. is receiving a $1 million loan and a $161,000 grant
to construct two water wells. The booster station will
be restored to service with a new chlorination facility
and a pad-mounted natural gas generator to provide
emergency power.
The Alberta Water System, Inc. will use a $164,000 loan
and a $1.5 million grant to construct an additional well.
Water meters will be replaced with radio-read meters
to reduce water loss and carbon treatment systems will
be added to booster stations to mitigate disinfection
byproducts. Additional funding includes a $30,000 RD
Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities
and Households grant and a $2,000 contribution from
the water system.
The Town of Delcambre will use a $291,000 loan and
a $183,000 grant to upgrade water
distribution lines and install meters
that service residents in Vermilion
Parish. In FY 2015, the project
received a $1,722,000 USDA loan
and a $1,179,220 USDA grant.
Dr. Carrie Castille
The Lena Water System, Inc. will receive a $3 million
loan to adjust the discharge pressure for the booster
stations, construct two water wells and a ground
storage tank with booster pumps and install radio-read
meters.
Eligible rural communities and water districts can
apply online for funding to maintain, modernize or
build water and wastewater systems. They can visit
the interactive RD Apply tool, or contact the RD
Community Programs Department by emailing jared.
hicks@la.usda.gov or (318) 473-7940.
We appreciate the opportunity to work with our
municipalities to help support economic development
and prosperity. If you have any questions, please
contact me, carrie.castille@la.usda.gov or (318)
473.7921, to let us know how we can help.
LMR | September 2018 Page 17