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Rural Utilities Service: Funding Rural America’s Water and Waste Infrastructure
Rural Utilities Service:
Funding Rural America’s
Water and Waste Infrastructure
RUS Water and Environmental Programs ARRA Implementation
RUS ARRA Water and Waste Disposal Funding
ARRA Quick Facts• 1.9 million rural residents
receiving new or improved access to water or waste service.
• 6.3% Reduction in rural populations’ potential for water borne illness.
• 11.49% of WEP ARRA funding were obligated for projects in persistent poverty counties.
• 66,000 jobs anticipated to be created or saved
Is There Life After ARRA?
??? ??
Funding Outlook• Yes! RUS/WEP will have funding.
• Anticipated FY 2011 Appropriation– Similar Levels of Funding (1 to 1.5 billion)– Continuing Resolution at 2010 Level– Subsidy Rate Increasing Slightly from 7.54 to 8.58– Partnering will be important.
• New SEARCH Grants Available in 2010– Communities of 2,500 or less– Financially Distressed Communities
8
2.25 3.03.75
9
2.25 %3.0 %3.75%Market
Intermediate
Poverty
FY 2011 Priorities• ARRA Projects
– Construction of Projects– Recipient Reporting
• Regularly Funded Projects– Construction of Projects– More Outreach– Applications on Hand (backlog still above $3 billion)
Why Is This Date So Important?
9/30/2015
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9/30/2015
9/30/20159/30/20159/30/2015
9/30/20159/30/2015
FY 2011 Priorities• Farm Bill Preparation
• Adapting Rules to New Census Data
• 1780 Modifications
• Strong Underwriting
• Targeted Outreach
FY 2011 Priorities• Sustainable Systems – Sustainable Communities
– EPA Collaboration– Energy Projects– Workforce Initiative– Regional Colonia’s Initiative
What Can You Do To Help?
• Encourage build out of projects.
• Continue to provide technical assistance to rural water systems.
• Farm Bill
Thank You!
Jacqueline Ponti-LazarukAssistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Program
