USDA Provides Funding for Community Water Projects

Last week, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen announced funding awards through the agency’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. More than $15.4 million will be awarded to these communities to modernize critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The funding will allow for the continued delivery of safe drinking water or construction of modern wastewater management facilities, both of which substantially improve public health and wellbeing. 

“USDA plays a vital role in providing funding opportunities for rural communities to allow them to continue improving infrastructure, facilities and community services,” said U.S. Congressman Marshall, M.D. “From day one, President Trump his prioritized rural America and this is just another example of his leadership allowing our communities to thrive. As a physician, I understand the need for access to clean water and modern wastewater treatment. I am proud of the work the USDA Rural Development office has done to support our communities and allow them the continued opportunity to improve and modernize their services.” 

The following funding announcements were made through the USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. The projects will improve rural infrastructure for nearly 7,000 Kansans. 

Kansas Projects Receiving Funding: 

• Brown County Rural Water District #2 will use a $2.1 million loan and a $562,000 grant to build approximately 52 miles of water distribution infrastructure to 64 additional customers, with the potential for up to 85. Additionally, 64 new meter settings, new valves and hydrants will be installed, as well as 483 radio-read meters. These residents currently obtain water from private wells with most being poor quality, or purchase and haul water from external sources. This project will provide the 64-85 new users with a safe, and reliable drinking water system as well as more efficient and reliable service.
• The City of Caney will use a $693,000 loan to supplement previous funding to complete the construction of the wastewater system improvements and conduct mandatory soil testing. The soil testing is a recent requirement of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and will help ensure the city is following current sanitary health standards for the wellbeing of more than 2,200 residents.
• Riley County will use a $181,000 loan and $139,000 grant to install 4,950 feet of water distribution line; new hardware including gate valves, flushing hydrants and meter pits; 2,900 feet of sewer main line and corresponding grinder pumps for the Lakeside Heights housing development northwest of Manhattan. Repairs will address increased concerns of groundwater contamination that could lead to bacteria-borne illnesses. Both systems will be connected to the neighboring University Park Sewer District, which will provide centralized water service and sewage treatment to the 17 residents in Lakeside Heights.
• The City of Hanover will use a $2.8 million loan and a $1,033,000 grant to replace approximately 32,000 feet of water distribution piping and install approximately 400 water meters and 100 gate valves and 75 fire hydrants. The replacements will help significantly reduce operation and maintenance costs due to current water loss of nearly thirty percent from existing system breaks and ensure safe drinking water for the more than 620 residents.
• The City of Fredonia will use a $2.2 million loan to complete phase two of the city’s multi-phase wastewater infrastructure project. Phase two will include improvements to the existing wastewater treatment facility, including construction of a flood control berm around the facility perimeter, a 750,000-gallon basin and corresponding lift station, and rehabilitation of the outfall structure and line from the treatment facility. These improvements will help protect critical equipment within the treatment facility from being damaged by flood waters and allow for streamlined peak flow treatment. The system serves nearly 2,500 residents.
• In Turon, the city will use an $85,000 loan and a $56,000 grant to supplement funding for a project originally started in 2018. The city began improvements of the water distribution system, including a new 100,000-gallon elevated water storage tower, a new well house and chlorination building, and 1,860 feet of new water piping. The additional funding will assist with relocation of a new water well and bring safe drinking water to the 387 Turon residents.
• The City of Overbrook will use a $4.2 million loan and a $1.4 million grant to make improvements to existing water infrastructure, including the water supply wells, chlorine treatment facility and their two elevated water storage tanks. The project will resolve bacterial growth in water wells and replace the aging distribution system - restoring safe, quality drinking water for the city’s 1,058 residents.