USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Lewis joined with local residents and government officials today at the Town Hall and the Clay Water Plant to make a presentation to city officials. The Town of Clay is the recipient of loan and grand funds to support two projects to improve the community’s water supply for local residents. “Our agency is pleased to join with the Town of Clay and this community as we celebrate these important projects.” He went on to say, “With USDA’s assistance, rural communities like Clay can build and upgrade their infrastructure to help ensure that rural residents have access to safe drinking water. This investment is critical for public health and economic growth.” Lewis said.
The Town of Clay is the recipient of two funding awards from USDA Rural Development. Loan and grant funds totaling $4,370,000 were received to support the construction of a water line, equipment and expansion of the plant building. Funds have also been committed for the Blue Knob Waterline Extension Project which will provide public water and fire protection to approximately 51 households within Clay County. The water treatment plan and distribution system currently serves 623 customers, including the Clay County and Clay-Roan Public Service Districts.
For the water treatment Plan Improvements Project, Rural Development loan and grant funds will be combined with funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council. For the Blue Knob Waterline Expansion project, USDA Rural Development funds in the amount of $791,000 will be combined with funding from the Small Cities Block Grant program to support the total project, estimated at $2,291,000.
USDA Rural Development has invested $11 billion since 2009 to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses; help 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; fund nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; finance 180,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines and help bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results.
