Schumer Announces Federal Dollars Coming To Town Of Owego

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that a $3,709,000 loan was awarded to the Town of Owego in Tioga County to assist with costs associated with the improvement, repairs and replacement of water storage tanks. The funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development program as a Water and Waste Disposal Loan.

"This is great news for the Town of Owego," Schumer said. "The water systems are critical to the livelihood of the community and the health of local residents. Clean drinking water is a basic need and this funding will help the community meet that need, improving the quality of life for everyone in the area."

Federal dollars will be used for improvements and repairs to water storage tanks in Owego, as well as the replacement of two tanks. Improvements will include the cleaning and recoating of the interior of the tanks and the encapsulating of the exterior.

The USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Grant and Loan program provides funds to reduce water and waste disposal costs to a reasonable level for rural users. The Grant program also sends funds to help develop water and waste disposal systems in rural areas and towns. Grants can be used to construct, repair, modify, expand, and improve water supply and distribution systems; acquire needed land and water sources; and pay for legal and engineering fees when necessary to build facilities.