Virginia communities given water grant

The US Department of Agriculture has awarded a $1m grant to improve water quality for 73 households in Wise County, Virginia.

Combined with a $276,000 loan, the $1m grant will help fund a public sewer system in the communities of Osaka and Roda, which have faced public health issues and environmental concerns due to direct sewage discharge into streams.

US senator Mark Warner said that the grant promotes public health, and is a welcome and significant step to improved water quality in the county.

"Expanding access to clean, reliable public water supplies has been a priority of mine since I served as Governor, when we extended access to more than 70,000 Virginians while also making record investments in Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund," he added.

US senator Tim Kaine said that it’s critical for public health and quality of life that every Virginia community can depend on reliable water and wastewater infrastructure.

"I am pleased with this major new investment in Southwest Virginia, and I am committed to supporting these essential infrastructure needs even in tight budgetary times, particularly in rural communities," Kaine added.