Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding of a regional wastewater system in Scioto County, Ohio Tuesday.

The project will alleviate public health and water quality problems associated with failed individual community systems by providing a centralized wastewater treatment system for 1,340 users in four rural Ohio communities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will fund the project.

“The Recovery Act is funding critically needed community projects across rural America, Vilsak said.  “The Obama administration will continue to target funding to support vibrant communities as part of our overall strategy to strengthen local economies and the nation’s rural infrastructure,” he said.

The new $29.6 million collection and treatment system, which will receive $29.4 million in USDA loan and grant funds and $240,000 in leveraged funds, will incorporate residents from Muletown, Minford, Clarktown, and Rubyville who are currently using onsite septic systems that have failed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inspections.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and grants to assist communities in building and improving water and/or wastewater infrastructures that deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding announcement today is being administered by USDA Rural Development.

Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $134 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

Through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state, and local offices, USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, businesses, and community infrastructure and facility programs.  These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

More information on USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov