Monday, Apr 22 2013 4:32PM

The USDA will provide financing to 32 states to improve water and wastewater system services.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will help fund water and wastewater system services projects across the country to help guarantee that rural communities have access to water and to help improve the environment.

USDA will provide a total of $145.2 million to finance a total of 43 projects in 32 states, and many of these projects will vary by the state's particular needs. For example, the Planada Community Services District of California will receive $2.2 million in loan funding and $2.5 million in grants to support water projects, while Storey County of Nevada will receive $3 million in loans and $2.3 million in grants that will be devoted to supporting its wastewater infrastructure. 

"At USDA, we believe it is critical that communities across the country have reliable, clean and safe water," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This Earth Day, I also encourage communities affected by natural disasters, including those hit hard by Hurricane Sandy, to apply for funding through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants Program."

Several states are currently facing the possibility of running short on water in the future, including Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. This scenario has led to greater conservation efforts and the construction of new infrastructure to better manage water systems, particularly in vulnerable communities. 

For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Agriculture