Funding for project partially financed by USDA
 
(February 25, 2013 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner traveled to Brazito, New Mexico just south of Las Cruces to help the residents of that small rural community dedicate a critical element to their water system.
 
The $729,219 project was funded through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program (WEP) to install an emergency connection at state road 478 just south of Las Cruces. The new connection allows the Brazito water system to tie into the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority water system.
 
The connection is crucial because it allows for a backup supply of water to the residents of Brazito.  The connection was needed in the event that the Brazito water well failed and water cannot be supplied to the thousand residents using the system.  Also if needed the new interconnect allows the Brazito water system to supply the Lower Rio Grande Public Water Works Authority with water.
 
The $719,219 project was funded through a loan from the federal government for $172,000 and a Colonias grant in the amount of $547,219.  The Colonias grant funding was made available by Congress through a set-a-side fund created specifically to help those communities along the    U.S. / Mexican border to either build new or replace old and outdated water and wastewater systems.
 
To celebrate the completion of the project a fire hydrant was opened to symbolize the water system is in operation.  Just prior to turning the wrench Brunner said, “Providing a consistent supply of clean healthy water to even the smallest rural communities is a promise kept by the Obama administration.” Brunner added, “And, we are also celebrating another promise made by the administration. That is, the infusion of much needed dollars to the area’s economy during the construction of this project.”
 
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
 
For additional information on RD projects, please visit Rural Development’s new interactive web map featuring program funding and success stories for fiscal years 2009-2012. The data can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html.
 
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
 
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $181 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.