NEWS RELEASE
United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development th 441 S. Salina Street • 5 Floor • Suite 357 • Syracuse, NY 13202-2425 Phone: (315) 477-6436 • Fax: (315) 477-6438 • TDD: (315) 477-6447 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tim Jones (315) 477-6436 timothy.jones@ny.usda.gov
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS $600,000 TO TOWN OF RUTLAND BLACK RIVER, N.Y., May 28, 2008 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Patrick H. Brennan today announced that the Town of Rutland has received $600,000 to expand its wastewater treatment system. The funding will be distributed as a $100,000 loan and a $500,000 grant and will be used to install Phase II of the Felts Mills sewer project. The loan is for 38 years at 4.5 percent interest. “Helping rural communities improve their wastewater infrastructure is one of our core missions at USDA Rural Development,” said State Director Brennan. “This project, like many others throughout upstate New York, has been funded in coordination with the New York State Revolving Loan Fund and is great example how work cooperatively to fund vital infrastructure projects” “Improving wastewater infrastructure is essential for many small communities, and this funding will help Rutland afford to make the needed improvements,” said Rep. John M. McHugh (NY-23). “This is an excellent example of cooperation between federal, state, and local entities, and it benefits both local residents and businesses.” “Clean water and an efficient wastewater system within any development are crucial to improving both the quality of life and a community’s ability to grow,” said State Sen. Darrel Aubertine (Senate District 48). “Many North Country municipalities have made use of USDA funds and I’m glad that this project in Felts Mills will go forward with grant money and lowinterest loan to ease the local burden.” “Often times, the rural areas in Northern New York are forgotten,” said Assemblywoman Dierdre “Dede” Scozzafava (Assembly District 122). “I am pleased that Rutland can take advantage of this great opportunity and thankful that the USDA Rural Development is there to support communities as they try to improve on services that they provide to their residents.” USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. In fiscal year 2007, USDA Rural Development invested more than $262 million in New York, raising its total investment in the state to more than $1.5 billion since 2001. Further information on rural programs is available by contacting the State Office at (315) 477-6400 or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny. #
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