Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) is encouraging eligible rural communities in the 15th District of Texas to apply for water and waste disposal funding offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program.
The program provides long-term, low-interest loans for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage and waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
“The health and safety of our citizens depends on functioning water and waste disposal infrastructure,” Congressman Gonzalez said. “Unfortunately, this vital infrastructure comes with a hefty price tag that often deters communities from making these important investments. USDA Rural Development funding can ease the financial burden of these important investments and I encourage rural communities in the 15th District of Texas to consider this program.”
State and local government entities, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes may apply. Funding can be used for rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less, tribal lands in rural areas, and Colonias. Applicants can confirm eligibility here.
Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, recently announced the USDA is investing $392 million for rural water and wastewater infrastructural development. In Fiscal Year 2018, Congress adopted the omnibus spending bill, which allocated $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants.
Eligible applicants can either apply online by visiting the RD Apply tool or through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field office. For more information regarding term dates, funding purposes, and additional requirements can be found on the program’s main page.
