The funding, which will be extended under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, includes a $7.9m loan and $6.4m grant for making upgrades to Monticello’s wastewater treatment plant, collection system, and sewer mains.
Monticello will also leverage the funds to improve the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment buildings, benefitting the owners of over 1,500 homes and businesses, while alleviating system overloading.
The funding for Monticello forms part of USDA’s Water and Environmental Program, which provides loans and grants to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas, and to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment.
The US agriculture secretary and USDA head Tom Vilsack said that this project not only will improve water quality in the community and surrounding area, it contributes to the Obama administration’s continued efforts aimed at improving the local quality of life and create opportunities for job growth.
“This project and others like it across the country are contributing to restoring America’s economy while improving the quality of life in communities like the Village of Monticello,” Vilsack said.
