Contact: Jessica Mancel | (715) 345-7615 x 151 | jessica.mancel@wi.usda.gov
City of Abbotsford Breaks Ground on New Replacement Water Treatment Plant
City Receives $9.5 Million from USDA Rural Development for the project
ABBOTSFORD, WI – May 28, 2015 – – – Having reliable wastewater treatment and the ability to protect groundwater will soon become a reality for the residents of Abbotsford, Wis. thanks to the new wastewater treatment plant.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director, Stan Gruszynski, joined congressional representatives, city officials and local leaders today at a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the commencement of construction of the facility.
“Aging water and waste infrastructure systems threaten the ability of rural communities to provide clean, reliable drinking water to residents and protect critical environmental resources.” said Stan Gruszynski, USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director. “Having clean water to drink is the right of every resident of Wisconsin. We are pleased to be a part of projects such as this, which are vital to the sustainability of our rural communities and allow our rural residents a safer, cleaner and healthier environment.”
The City experienced water main damage and multiple lateral freeze ups as a result of the severe cold weather in the winter of 2013-2014. The facility was originally constructed in 1961 and most of the components are still in use today. Many components of the facility have exceeded the useful service life and the upgrade will bring the City into compliance with State of Wisconsin permit standards and reduce the maintenance costs associated with running the wastewater treatment facility.
USDA Rural Development provided a Water and Waste Disposal direct loan of $7,376,000 and grant of $1,204,000 along with a $107,500 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant to finance the improvements of lift stations and the construction of the new facility with administrative building and garage at a new location.
The Water and Waste Disposal Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, health, education, homeownership and affordable rental housing to improve the lives of people in rural areas and the economic health of rural communities. During the last year, the agency has assisted nearly 9,000 families and businesses in more than 100 communities, investing more than $571 million into rural Wisconsin through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.
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. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit USDA’s web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/wi.
