Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced July 7, 2021, that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $307 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 34 states and Puerto Rico. In Maine, the Town of Searsport will receive a total of $6,401,000 to upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure.

The investments follow President Biden’s announcement last week of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history. The Framework will replace all of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines, helping address barriers faced by communities of color, Tribal communities, and rural America.

“Every community needs safe, reliable and modern water and wastewater systems,” said Secretary Vilsack, in a USDA news release. “The consequences of decades of disinvestment in physical infrastructure have fallen most heavily on communities of color. This is why USDA is investing in water infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities that need it most to help them build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before.”

USDA Rural Development Acting Maine State Director Tommy R. Higgins said, “Improving critical infrastructure such as wastewater systems helps rural communities like the Town of Searsport provide essential services to the people who depend on them. Rural Development is proud to be a strong partner in helping Maine’s rural communities build key infrastructure that helps them to be thriving and prosperous places to live.”

The Town of Searsport will receive a total of $6,401,000 ($1,601,000 Water & Waste Direct Loan and $4,800,000 Water & Waste Disposal Grant.) This Rural Development investment will be used to upgrade the town of Searsport's wastewater treatment facility from a primary treatment facility to a secondary treatment facility with tertiary treatment for disinfection. The investment will also be used for upgrades to all eight of the town's pump stations. New conventional activated sludge aeration tanks will be constructed to provide secondary treatment. 

USDA is financing the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to help eliminate outdated pipes and service lines to safeguard public health and safety in rural communities. They will help improve rural infrastructure for 250,000 residents and businesses.

Background:

The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage. The program serves households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.

To learn more about these and other resources for communities in rural areas, contact Robert Nadeau, Community Programs Director at (207) 990-9121.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/me.

“USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways,” said the release. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.