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USDA grant, loan to help Bradley Water Association |
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Thursday, 21 August 2008 |
 Paul Sims/SDN Federal officials made a formal presentation Wednesday of a grant and loan designed to provide money to replace a well for the Bradley Water Association. Pictured are: Cliff Russell, left, area specialist with U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development; Sheila Freely, area director with Rural Development; George Jones, president of the Bradley Water Association; U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and Bennet George, secretary of Bradley Water Association. By PAUL SIMS
Starkville Daily News
A local water association will be able to replace one of its two inoperable wells with help from a federal grant and loan totaling $787,000.
Federal officials made a formal presentation of the funding provided through U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to Bradley Water Association.
The funding will consist of a $209,000 loan and a $578,000 grant.
“It’s absolutely essential for this community, and when you talk about water for 670 Americans, you’re talking about quality of life,” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker said after making the presentation to association officials. “I’m glad that the vast majority of this check is a grant. Having most of it as a grant is of assistance,” said Wicker, one of the state’s two U.S. senators.
“Congress appropriates the money we distribute in Mississippi each year, which last year totaled more than $300 million,” said George Phillips, state director of USDA Rural Development in Mississippi, in a statement.
“Thus, we are always appreciative when a member can take the time to
help commemorate the projects that are built with the funding that they make possible,” Phillips said.
The association is replacing one of its two wells. One well is located on Silver Ridge Road and has been out of commission for about four years, said George Jones, BWA president. The one being replaced – located on Highway 12 – went out of service about six months ago, Jones said. The association has been buying water from the Town of Sturgis.
BWA undertook a project to refurbish its lines about two years ago, Jones said. Since BWA is still paying for a loan for the line refurbishment project, it would be difficult to pay for an additional loan of the size needed to replace the well, Jones said.
BWA officials are “extremely pleased. They pretty much came to our rescue,” Jones said of USDA Rural Development.
Association officials hope they will be able to get the project started in the next three months, Jones said.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 22 August 2008 )
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