The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann on Monday, Sept. 23 announced more than $5 million in investments for three infrastructure improvement projects in California.

“We know that in order for California’s rural communities to continue to prosper, it is essential they have safe, reliable infrastructure,” said Vann. “USDA’s programs are addressing those needs and today’s investments will help improve water or wastewater systems in three communities.”

Funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, and can be used for drinking water, storm water drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

California projects awarded the funds include:

• Donner Summit Public Utility District in Placer County received a $336,000 loan for improvements to the Big Bend water system.

• Woodbridge Sanitary District in San Joaquin County received a $1.5 million loan for improvements to the district’s wastewater system.

• San Luis Obispo County received a $3.2 million loan for water storage improvements in the community of Cayucos.

Nationally on Sept. 23, USDA announced investing $144 million for 45 projects benefitting 168,000 rural Americans across 25 states. USDA had $2.9 billion available for Water and Environmental Program loans and grants at the beginning of fiscal year 2019. USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca and follow them on Twitter at @CaliforniaRD.