Four Communities to Receive Better Water Service

(October 25, 2012 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico today to help Cuatro Villas Mutual Domestic Water Users Association (CVMDWUA) celebrate the approval of a $1.3-million loan/grant package to upgrade the association's water delivery system.

During the celebration Brunner told the CVMDWUA Board of Directors, "This project demonstrates USDA RD's commitment to rural communities by improving its infrastructure, which will provide a better quality of life to our rural residents."

The water system will serve the four communities of the Santa Cruz Valley that includes the four villages of Arroyo Seco, Cuartelez, La Puebla, and Sombrillo. The funding will be used to build a unique 500,000 gallon water tank made of concrete. Concrete is being used because there is very little maintenance with this type of tank. Also a new modern arsenic removal treatment system will also be installed which will provide the users with a clean supply of healthy water.

Currently, the CVMDWUA water system covers 10 square miles and provides service to 125 water users. It is believed once the construction is completed the water system could provide water service for up to 2000 people.

The loan/grant financial obligated to CVMDWUA is provided under USDA Rural Development's Community Program. The goal of this program is to target federal investment to rural communities with the most serious drinking water quality, quantity and dependability problems.

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.

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.