USDA approves fund to upgrade wastewater treatment plant in Antwerp

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant programme, has approved a fund to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in the village of Antwerp in Jefferson County, New York.

Antwerp will receive a federal grant worth $360,000, along with $2.9m in state funding to finance the upgrade of the existing wastewater treatment plant in the village.

US senator Charles E Schumer said that the completion of the water-quality projects in Antwerp will improve public health and create jobs in the region, spurring economic development and enhancing the quality of life.

"Effectively supporting our rural communities with funding for clean water and sewer treatment is pivotal for our community and our economy," he said.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added: "Upgrading water infrastructure is an effective way to attract new businesses and support new local jobs. And by making these investments at the federal level, we can hold the line on property taxes to help Antwerp families keep more of what they earn."

The federal and state funding is expected to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers and ensure a smooth upgrade of the water infrastructure.

Antwerp village mayor Calvin Jones said: "The village would not have been able to undertake the project alone, but thanks to the combined efforts of several individuals from federal and state agencies we will be able to complete this greatly needed project."

In October 2012, USDA approved loans and grants to 12 communities in the state of Kansas to support various water projects.

The department in August 2012 approved funds for the improvement of three water projects for La Union, Lake Roberts, and Brazito communities in the southern part of New Mexico.

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Image: The building of US Department of Agriculture in Washington DC. Photo: courtesy of Billy Hathorn.