USDA Rural Development State Director (left) and U.S. Senator Tom Udall (right) present a certificate of obligation in the amount of $6.8 million to Mr. Ronald Garay, President of the Garfield MDWC & MSWA. The money will be used to upgrade the aging water system in that community.ALBUQUERQUE, NM, May 5, 2016- USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was joined by U.S. Senator Tom Udall in Garfield, New Mexico earlier today to celebrate the funding of a major renovation infrastructure project in that community.

During the ceremony a certificate of obligation was presented to the Garfield Mutual Domestic Water Users Association to pay for the construction to upgrade their water system.

"Many rural communities such as Garfield need to upgrade and repair their old water systems, but often lack the resources to do so," Brunner said. "USDA loan and grant funding will help Garfield provide better water services for years to come. These types of infrastructure improvements are essential to building a stronger economy and opportunity for all New Mexicans."

USDA Rural Development is providing a loan of $551,000 and a colonias grant for $6,340,500 for a total of $6,891,500 to the Garfield Mutual Domestic Water Users Association to upgrade the water system.

The financing will be used to replace aging water lines in some of the service areas which will address the high leakage rates. The funding will also pay for a new water well in Arrey, New Mexico and the installation of a new automatic meter reading system, and related equipment. A new computerized management system will also be installed to assist with system operations and reduce water loss from tank overflows. Also, by adding the new well, the growth restriction will be removed. Construction to upgrade the water system is expected to begin in the spring of 2017 after all of the rest of the legal requirements are completed.