Wednesday, Apr 24 2013 4:07PM
One Native Alaskan village used USDA funding to update its water infrastructure and ensure sustainability.
Kasaan, a rural Native village in Alaska, announced the completion of a water project that will provide cleaner and more sanitary water system services to residents, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The village credits financing from the USDA as well as a partnership between the federal agency, the state of Alaska, the Indian Health Service and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, for the successful completion of the project that began in 2011. The agreement and funding allowed the village to construct a larger water plan that would meet the rural community's current and future needs and also comply with federal environmental law.
"This water system project was essential in providing facilities that are environmentally safe and meet necessary drinking water standards," said USDA Rural Development Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund. "The water treatment plant and water storage tank now provide quality drinking water to the residents of Kasaan."
The funding made available was part of the USDA's "StrikeForce initiative," and several other states have taken advantage of the financing to complete a variety of projects. For example, Utah is part of the StrikeForce program and used its funds to tackle poverty in rural areas, according to the Cache Valley Daily.
Fore more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture