USDA News:
Announcement made during visit by federal official from Washington
ALBUQUERQUE–USDA Deputy Under Sec. Doug O’Brien and State Director Terry Brunner announced the award of loans and grants to help two rural New Mexico communities make public safety and infrastructure improvements.
“This funding will help finance projects that are good examples of how USDA Rural Development is committed to making the lives of rural New Mexicans much better through the various programs we have to offer,” O’Brien said.
Rural Development has approved a $28,000 loan and $29,000 grant to help the town of Estancia purchase two new police vehicles. Acquiring the all-terrain vehicles will supplement the town’s aging and less-reliable police vehicles and allow the town to continue meeting the public safety needs of the community’s 2,226-residents, as well as those in surrounding Torrance County.
The Pueblo of Cochiti will receive a $1 million grant to repair sewer lines and install a new water well. This project will provide safe sewage disposal and an adequate water supply to the Pueblo’s 773 residents.
“During the last fiscal year, our staff provided more than $200 million for housing, water and wastewater systems, business development and essential community projects,” Brunner said. “Providing the funding for the new police cars and the wastewater system shows we are still committed to helping these communities with the funds they need to upgrade or maintain essential services.”
Funding for both projects is subject to the recipients meeting the terms of the loan and grant agreements. O’Brien and Brunner made the announcements during a tour of southern New Mexico.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the president’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way–strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
