9-22-10 —     The City of Monticello was one of four successful applicants in  

Kentucky who will receive funding through the Recovery Act for water  

and wastewater infrastructure projects. The announcement was made  

last week by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

    Monticello has been awarded a $6.472 million loan and a $2.774  

million grant. The funding will be used for water system improvements.

    "Investments in water and wastewater projects like this will help  

deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment throughout  

rural America," stated Vilsack. "These projects advance the Obama  

Administration's economic recovery goals to provide reliable services  

in rural America. They create jobs and will support more job creation  

by supporting economic development initiatives."

    Last week's announcement included a total of $445.3 million for 89  

wastewater infrastructure projects in local communities through the  

Recovery Act. To date, USDA has announced $3.26 billion in Recovery  

Act for 884 water and environmental projects across the nation.

    "Recovery Act projects are helping rural Kentucky communities build  

a foundation for economic strength, future prosperity and a healthy  

environment," stated Tom Fern, State Director for Rural Development.  

"The four water and wastewater projects announced this week are  

helping achieve the Obama Administration's economic recovery goals to  

rebuild and revitalize the nation's infrastructure."

    The other three projects funded in Kentucky included:

    • Hyden-Leslie County Water District: $1.956 million loan and $1.1  

million grant, which will be used for water system improvements.

    • Martin County Sanitation District: $485,000 loan and $208,200  

grant, which will be used for wastewater system improvements.

    • Sharpsburg Water District: $642,000 loan and $345,600 grant, which  

will be used for water system improvements.