Photo: USDA State Director Terry Brunner and Veronica Castro of El Valle Water Alliance look on as John Garcia of Garcia Underground, Inc. makes a big splash to officially dedicate the new Villanueva, New Mexico water system.

Funding for badly needed project financed by USDA Rural Development

(December 7, 2012 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in Villanueva, New Mexico, earlier today to participate in ceremonies to officially dedicate the new $1.5 million water system in that community.

To dedicate the water system a fire hydrant was turned on to symbolically represent that the water is now flowing through the new system. Just prior to turning the wrench Brunner told the residents of Villanueva, "This project demonstrates USDA RD's commitment to rural communities by improving its infrastructure." Brunner added, "Clean drinking water is essential to the survival of any rural community and the improvements made to this water system will help ensure that you will have access to clean healthy water for generations to come."

The new badly needed water delivery system for this community of 107 families replaced an old outdated system which was in real need of repair. The new $1.5 million dollar water system replaces two old leaking water tanks with a new 55-thousand gallon water tank. Also the water well was moved to a different safer location because the old water well was too close to septic systems and cesspools. Because of the location of the new water well the community will now be guaranteed safe drinking water for years to come.

To complete the construction of the new water system, 12,000 linear feet of new water lines were installed along with new modern water meters. Also new fire hydrants were added which will now provide better fire protection to the community with a reliable source of water and an adequate amount of pressure needed.

The USDA Rural Development Water and Environment Program (WEP) have financed similar projects throughout the nation for the last 60 years. The program provides funds to be used to expand or improve water systems in communities of less than 10-thousand people.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

For additional information on RD projects, please visit Rural Development's new interactive web map featuring program funding and success stories for fiscal years 2009-2011. The data can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html.