$15.6 Million to Presque Isle Utilities District for Upgrades
USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs visited the Presque Isle Utilities District on Wednesday to make a critical announcement that will have a significant impact on infrastructure in the area.
USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs said, “I am pleased to announce that the Presque Isle Utilities District will receive $15.6 million in funding to upgrade critical components to its wastewater infrastructure. This is a vital step forward to protect the environment and an investment in the future of the community.”
USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts. The funds can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
The Presque Isle Utilities District will receive a USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Direct Loan in the amount of $9,630,000 and Grant in the amount of $6,000,000. Funding will be used to upgrade the District's wastewater treatment facility and collection system, as well as, three pump stations that serve the area. The investment will also allow for major upgrades to the system, including increasing the design peak flow capacity, eliminating overflows and bypasses of the Secondary Treatment System via the swirl separator, and eliminating land application of sludge.
Additionally, the influent screw pumps will be replaced with higher capacity screw pumps, mechanical fine screening will be added, and the aerated grit system will be replaced with a higher capacity grit system, among other upgrades. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and control systems will be updated, and upgrades to the septage receiving operation, such as automated billing will also be included.
For more information on USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Programs, contact Robert Nadeau, Program Director, at (207) 990-9121 or robert.nadeau@usda.gov, or view the interactive RD Apply tool.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.