Rural Development and Water District Laud 40 Year Partnership
Rural Development and Water District Laud 40 Year Partnership
KAHOKA, MO, April 22, 2014 – In recognition of Earth Day, USDA Rural Development Community Programs Director Clark Thomas congratulated, on behalf of State Director Janie Dunning, Clark County Public Water Supply District (PWSD) #1 on the district’s 40-year partnership with Rural Development. Clark County PWSD #1’s original project was with the Farmers Home Administration, Rural Development’s predecessor agency, in 1974.
“Each year we celebrate Earth Day to emphasize the connection between our actions and the health of the environment. Projects undertaken by Rural Development must be shown to avoid negative effects on the longevity and preservation of our natural resources. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents of rural American which includes protecting what the earth provides for future generations,” Dunning stated. “Participating in water quality and water service projects such as those undertaken by Clark County PWSD #1 enables Rural Development to influence decisions made on the use of our natural resources. Clark County PWSD #1 has been an active partner in the positive environmental stewardship Rural Development strives to continue. We are proud of the success of Clark County PWSD #1 and look forward to many more years of partnership in providing quality water while preserving our natural resources.”
Clark County PWSD #1 officially became a consolidated district on August 15, 1974. The water district serves 2,800 users and has over 1,300 miles of water distribution lines. The partnership between Clark County PWSD #1 and USDA Rural Development has included 33 loan and grant projects to establish, expand or improve the water service. Over the years, Clark County PWSD #1 has demonstrated consistent effective management of the system and efficient oversight of a very valuable natural resource.
Congressman Sam Graves said, “Congratulations to Clark County PWSD #1 on reaching 40 years of service and for all their efforts toward providing safe and reliable water to rural communities in Clark County. This continued excellence has sustained these communities and farms for decades, and I look forward to hearing great things about Clark County PWSD #1 for decades to come.”
The purpose of the Water and Waste Disposal Direct and Guaranteed Loans and Grants is to develop water and waste disposal systems in rural areas and towns with a population not in excess of 10,000. The funds are available to public bodies, non-profit corporations and Indian tribes.
Further information on rural programs is available by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. Information about the Water and Environmental Programs in Missouri can be obtained by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo. The Kirksville Sub-Area Office is located at 2410 S Franklin Street, Kirksville, MO 63501. The office can be contacted at (660) 665-3274, Ext. 4.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $198 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.
Attending the observance of the 40th year partnership between Clark County Public Water Supply District were (not in order) David M. Brown, Lee Lemmon, Matt Williams, Representative for US Senator Claire McCaskill; Leann Gleason, USDA Rural Development; Russell Mathes, Clark Thomas, USDA Rural Development; Trudy Ziegelhofer, USDA Rural Development; Wayne Welker, Jay Hudnut, ; Henry Dienst, Paul Brotherton, Kirby Clark, Ron Brewer, Bob Uhlmeyer; Kyle Pociask, Engineer; Deanna DeVolld, USDA Rural Development.
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.
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