Schumer: Federal Dollars Coming To Village Of Laurens

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that a $220,000 grant and a $980,000 loan was awarded to the Village of Laurens to assist in replacing the water distribution system. The funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development program as a Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant.

"This is great news for the Village of Laurens," Schumer said. "The water system is critical to the livelihood of the community and the health of local residents."

The rural development funds will be used to replace the majority of the existing water distribution system, which is about 108 years old and still in service. The project will include replacement of storage reservoir with new 115,000 gallon storage tank, new water meters, and new emergency generator. This project will serve 230 users.

The USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program works to reduce water and waste disposal costs to a reasonable level for rural users. The Loan and Grant program also sends funds to help develop waste and waste disposal systems in rural areas and towns. Loans and 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.