(Washington, DC) - Brown County Water Utility, Inc. has been selected to receive a sizeable loan through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) rural water development program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  According to a release issued by the USDA late last week, Brown County Water Utility, Inc. is set to receive a $4,996,000 loan.  This loan is one of nearly $143 million to be spent on projects that will help provide safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatments systems for rural towns and communities in 21 states.

“I’m very pleased that Brown County Water Utility, Inc. has been selected for this significant loan,” Congressman Baron Hill said.  “Having a good water infrastructure is key to attracting and retaining economic development.”

“These ARRA investments will provide reliable drinking water and improve infrastructure systems in many towns across rural America,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated in a release last week.  “The 59 water and wastewater projects support the Obama Administration’s vision for a 21st Century rural America.”

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver sake drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.  More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.