Press Releases
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell Announces $3.6 Million Funding from USDA for North Choctaw County
April 23, 2012
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) announced that North Choctaw County was awarded $3.6 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. Approximately $1.6 million of the funding was awarded in the form of a grant and $2 million awarded in the form of a loan. This project funding will enable the North Choctaw Water and Sewer Authority to make vital repairs and improvements to existing water infrastructure, add interconnectivity to neighboring water systems and purchase new radio read meters and equipment.
“I am delighted that USDA will provide this vital funding to Choctaw County to help rehabilitate their existing water well system, “said Rep. Sewell. “This community was in dire need of immediate funding for a new well and water lines after the recent collapse of an outdated water infrastructure that left families without access to clean water earlier this year,” Rep. Sewell added. It is critically important that families have access to quality, clean and safe water. This funding will stimulate economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development, while helping improve the quality of life for families in the North Choctaw community.”
In immediate response to the water infrastructure collapse, Congresswoman Sewell met with top officials at USDA and submitted a letter of support for the North Choctaw Water and Sewer Authority application to the USDA Rural Development requesting emergency assistance. Congresswoman Sewell remained in constant contact with USDA officials throughout the application process advocating the importance of providing funding for immediate relief to North Choctaw County.
“We are thankful to Congresswoman Sewell for her hard work in helping us secure these resources. The health and well-being of Alabamians and the people of Choctaw County will be ensured through the upgrades and investments we can now make in our water systems,” said Lisman Mayor Thomas Jackson. “These much needed funds will help improve our water and sanitation system and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Choctaw County.”
“We can’t thank Congresswoman Sewell enough for promptly addressing the needs and concerns of the people of Choctaw County. Interruptions in service and an unreliable water supply have been an issue of concern for our citizens for over two years, but with these funds we will now be able to deliver quality and affordable services to the people of Choctaw County,” said Choctaw County Commissioner Willie Horn. “These funds mean that Choctaw County can now afford to purchase its own water well, which will make us less dependent on surrounding counties and better prepare us for emergencies. I have been praying, hoping and working for this breakthrough moment we desperately needed.”
Breelyn Pete
202.225.2665
Breelyn.pete@mail.house.gov
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