JJohn Gallagher, LMACliff Palmer, LaMATSPage 14LMR | SEPTEMBER 2020
Partner InsightRural DevelopmentUSDA Rural Development Helps Rural Communities ThriveBY ROY HOLLEMAN, STATE DIRECTOR, USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENTIt is imperative for our rural municipalitiesto update critical drinking water andwastewater infrastructure. Modernwater systems are vital not only topublic health, but also the economic vitality in creating andmaintaining thriving rural communities.If you need help financing new infrastructure or expandingyour current water system, USDA Rural Development standsready to help. Afterall, everyone should have access to safedrinking water.Through the USDA Rural Development Water and WasteDisposal Loan and Grant Program, loans, grants and loanguarantees are available for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solidwaste, and storm drainage facilities. USDA can partner withrural communities, water districts, and other eligible entities tobuild or improve water infrastructure systems in rural areas of50,000 or less.Eligible borrowers are local governmental entities, non-profitorganizations, and federally recognized tribes. Preplanningand other technical assistance may be available to financiallydistressed rural communities for improvements to their watersystem. Funding can also be used for legal and engineeringfees, land acquisition, water and land rights, permits andequipment.For example, USDA recently funded the following fourprojects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and GrantProgram.· Zone Two Water System received $972,000 to replace watermains, meters, and construct an Architectural Barriers ActAccessibility Standard meeting room.· Town of Colfax received $2,237,000 to drill two waterproduction wells, replace deteriorated aerator, repairleaking water lines, and update water meters.· Town of Tullos received $1,165,000 additional funding toconstruct a water treatment plant.· Waterworks District #2 of St Landry Parish received$2,158,000 to add water softeners, install ground storagetank, and replace service pumps. Additional improvementsare a new building, generator, and replacing aging watermeters.Rural Development offers easy terms for rural communitieswith limited resources. Very low-interest loans are currentlyavailable for eligible borrowers. Interest rates can be as low as1.125% and grants may be combined with a loan if you qualify.Applications are accepted year-round. Eligible ruralcommunities and water districts can apply online with RD Appyfor funding to maintain, modernize, or construct water andwastewater systems.Rural Development partners with the Louisiana Rural WaterAssociation and others to help with day-to day operational,financial, management issues, and assist with energy audits.Contact the local specialist in your area. Louisiana’s RD AreaOffices are in Monroe (318) 343-4467, Natchitoches (318) 352-7100, Lafayette (337) 262-6601, and Amite (985) 748-8751.The Louisiana team is here to help guide you with obtaininginfrastructure upgrades necessary to maintain the social,economic, and environmental health of your community.Please contact Roy Holleman at roy.holleman@usda.gov or(318) 473-7657. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/laand follow @RD_Louisiana on Twitter.LMR | SEPTEMBER 2020 Page 15