WASHINGTON DC, - Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) announced that the City of Uniontown was awarded $4.8 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.  Approximately $2,296,000 of the funding was awarded in the form of a grant and $2,505,000 was awarded in the form of a loan.  This funding will enable the City of Uniontown to repair their existing waste water treatment plant, install new water meters, rehabilitate and install new pumps for city pumping stations.

“I am pleased that USDA will provide this essential funding to the City of Uniontown to help repair their existing waste water treatment plant,” said Rep. Sewell.  “Uniontown was in desperate need of funding due to an outdated waste water treatment facility and insufficient water meters.  These improvements are critically important to ensuring that families have access to clean and safe water. USDA’s consistent support for infrastructure projects reflects their commitment to ensuring rural communities have the vital services and resources they need to create jobs, strengthen economic development and improve quality of life for families,” added Rep. Sewell.

“The citizens of Uniontown and Perry County are elated to receive this substantial grant for improving the sewer and water systems,” said Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner.  “I want to thank Congresswoman Sewell for her diligent work in helping us solve this decade old problem.  The success of this grant award shows that effective leadership is achieved through team work from city hall, to the court house, to the state house, to the halls of Congress.”

"We are humble and grateful for receiving this assistance from USDA with the support of Congresswoman Terri Sewell,” said Uniontown Mayor Jamaal Hunter.  “The improvements to our waste water treatment plant will greatly improve the quality of life of our citizens in Uniontown.  Further, these improvements will serve as an incentive to industries that are interested in locating in Uniontown and our surrounding areas.  This issue has long plagued our community and our resources and infrastructure has suffered as a consequence.  Again, we are sincerely grateful to God and all of those who have assisted us."

“We spent a lot of time working on this issue so the City of Uniontown could financially support this solution,” said State Director of USDA Rural Development Ronnie Davis.  “I was proud that we could develop a sustainable solution and help resolve the issues with their sewer and water system.  USDA Rural Development is committed to helping communities across the state of Alabama and to ensuring our communities have quality water systems.”

Next week, Rep. Sewell will be joined by elected officials and community leaders for a ceremonial check presentation in Uniontown.

###

Contact: Rob NeSmith;    202.225.2665;      Rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov