In a significant boost for rural communities, the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) in Duncan, Oklahoma, has been awarded $27.5 million in grants aimed at enhancing access to safe drinking water across the United States. This funding was announced by USDA Rural Development State Director Kenneth Corn and is part of President Biden and Vice President Harris' Investing in America agenda. The grants are sourced from various programs, including USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants, funds allocated for 2022 Federally declared Disaster Areas, and the Water and Waste Disposal Revolving Loan Fund [24bc6432].
The NRWA plans to utilize these funds for a range of initiatives, including capital assistance, technical assistance, energy assessments, and disaster aid. Kenneth Corn highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding drinking water for rural communities, emphasizing that this funding will help ensure that residents have access to clean and safe drinking water [24bc6432].
This funding announcement comes at a time when many rural areas face challenges related to water quality and infrastructure. The NRWA's efforts are expected to address these issues effectively, contributing to the overall health and well-being of rural populations [24bc6432].