USDA Invests $13 Million to Expand Access to Rural Water Infrastructure and Create Economic Opportunities for More Than 19,000 People in Colonias, Rural and Tribal Communities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today joined Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) to announce USDA is investing $13 million to expand access to rural water infrastructure and create economic opportunities for people who live and work in colonias, rural and Tribal communities. This announcement includes a $1.5 million grant to improve the water infrastructure in Coachella, Calif.

The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve. They include more than $9 million to help nearly 14,000 people located in socially vulnerable communities.

“Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA believes that people everywhere, regardless of where they live, should have peace of mind using basic community infrastructure, whether that means drinking safe water or having equipment to learn skills for a new career,” Torres Small said. “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Members of Congress like Congressman Ruiz, USDA can help invest in this peace of mind and build opportunity and prosperity for the people who call rural America home.”

Background:

Torres Small highlighted investments that USDA is making in two programs specifically designed to help people and communities in rural areas. These programs are Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias and Appalachian Regional Commission Grants. A colonia is defined as a rural community within the U.S.-Mexico border region that lacks adequate water, sewer or housing, or a combination of all three.

The funding will benefit more than 19,000 people in six states. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development addresses economic development, infrastructure and social service needs for rural residents and communities. It will help build and improve water and wastewater infrastructure for people living in colonias and Tribal lands. It will also allow colleges to upgrade campus buildings and services.

For example:

• Coachella Valley Water District in California is receiving a $1.5 million Water and Waste Disposal colonias grant to replace the water main pipeline and three booster stations. This investment will help the district provide adequate water service to customers by increasing the amount of water pumped through the pipeline distribution system.

• North Dakota’s Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is receiving a $3 million Water and Waste Disposal tribal grant to install a water main from Kenel, South Dakota, to the North Dakota border to extend rural water service to about 250 people on the reservation.

• Kentucky Community & Technical College System is receiving a $1.2 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant to renovate a welding technology laboratory on the Mayo Campus of the Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Paintsville. The renovation will add welding training stations, welding stands and curtains. It will support instruction aligned with the American Welding Society's (AWS) curriculum and professional certification. It will also allow the school to pursue designation as an AWS Accredited Test Facility.

The awards announced today are being made in Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maine, New Mexico and North Dakota.

Under the leadership of 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.