Newhouse Applauds USDA Rural Development Water Awards for Adams, Douglas Counties

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after receiving notification that projects in the City of Ritzville and the Greater Bar Water District have been selected to receive federal loans and grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. This program aims to improve water systems and wastewater handling services in rural communities by ensuring reliable infrastructure.

"Rural communities in Central Washington rely heavily on strong infrastructure for clean drinking water and waste disposal," said Rep. Newhouse. "In an area where water is already a scare resource, this financing will greatly improve the ability of Adams and Douglas counties to provide and deliver water to communities."

City of Ritzville (Adams County): USDA awarded a grant of $3,907,000 and a loan of $3,465,000 to the City of Ritzville to construct a new municipal well and pump house. The funding will be used to rehabilitate two existing wells, re-coat the existing water reservoir, and replace the water line, Funding will also be used to install a new electrical panel and fence at the Koch Well Pump Station.

Greater Bar Water District (Douglas County): USDA awarded a grant of $165,000 and a loan of $55,000 to the District to add a secondary back up pump, controls, and infrastructure to an existing well to provide the needed redundancy to ensure district customers do not lose water in the event of any failure to other wells. This will ensure both wells flow properly and support the water system as a whole.

Background:

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

The program helps small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.