Feds come through with $1 million for Barre water district
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Barre water tower is pictured on Sept. 6 with a rainbow.
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer
BARRE – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $1,096,000 in federal funding, including a loan of $606,000 and a grant of $490,000, has been approved for the Town of Barre in Orleans County.
The federal funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program. Specifically the Town of Barre will use the funding to create Water District #8, providing public water service to 36 residential users who do not currently have access to safe drinking water.
“This federal investment is good news for the Orleans County,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds for the Town of Barre will help boost economic development and increase access to water for residents. I am proud to announce this federal investment and will continue to fight to make sure that rural communities have the tools they need to build, protect and maintain their infrastructure.”
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.
“This will be the 4th water district in the Town of Barre, and we have two more in the works,” said Mark Chamberlain, Barre town supervisor. “Our local USDA office in Batavia has been so helpful in getting these projects funded. People have been asking for water in this area for a while, especially since last summer when we saw many wells dry up due to dry weather conditions and noticed some sulfur in the water supply. This new district will not only bring these people – who so desperately need it – safe water, it will also increase their property value and lower their insurance costs.”
This funding is awarded through the Rural Business Development Grant program, administered by the USDA’s Rural Development agency. The Rural Development agency is committed to improving economies and lives in rural America, through loans, grants and loan guarantees. They support local businesses, individuals and communities by promoting economic development, offering loans and providing technical assistance.
