ALBUQUERQUE, NM, July 30, 2013 - USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in southern New Mexico today to participate in the celebration of the completion of the Otis, NM water system.

The Otis Mutual Domestic Water Consumers and Sanitary Water Association received $1,029,000 in federal funds through USDA Rural Development to upgrade its water system.

During the celebration ceremony Brunner said, "We believe at USDA Rural Development that access to reliable, clean and safe water is critical for those choosing to live in a rural community.." Brunner added, "High quality infrastructure helps set the stage for the economic growth we are seeing in Southeast New Mexico."

Funding through USDA Rural Development's Water and Environment Program (WEP) will provide the residents of Otis with a better quality of water. The million dollar project included the construction of a new 500,000 gallon storage tank plus the equipment needed to operate the water tank. The improvements were needed because the old system was in need of repair and refurbishment. The construction of the upgraded water system was just completed and will now provide the community with a dependable supply of water which will do away with the drought issues the community was experiencing.

The goal of the WEP program is to target Federal investment to rural communities with the most serious drinking water quality, quantity and dependability problems. The water and wastewater programs focus on the needs of rural Americans who lack safe drinking water in their homes. Recipients must be public entities such as the water associations in La Union and La Mesa. To qualify for the financial assistance the applicants must be unable to obtain funds from commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms to build or upgrade a water or wastewater system. The applicant must be able to borrow and to repay the loans and be able to operate and maintain the facilities.