Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced $2,021,000 in funding for the Village of Gnadenhutten to repair and renovate its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Repairs and improvements to the WWTP will improve worker safety by helping automate debris removal from the wastewater and make improvements to make the plant more efficient.
“Strong water and sewer infrastructure are critical so Ohio communities can stay both healthy and economically competitive,” Brown said. “This funding will improve access to safe and clean water for residents in Gnadenhutten and throughout Tuscarawas County. I will continue to advocate for resources so that Ohioans in small and rural communities have equal access to clean water and economic opportunity.”
Funding includes:
- $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to repair and improve the village’s wastewater treatment, including by automating debris removal from the wastewater to improve worker safety. These funds will help provide better sewer service to 28 businesses and 574 households in the village.
- $1,521,000 loan and a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Investment program to convert the treatment plant from a micro-biological reactor plant to an extended aeration plant and replace pretreatment components that break up sludge.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government. Its mission is to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian region.
USDA’s Rural Development Investment program provides grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs, support economic development, and provide essential services to rural communities. Funding helps agricultural producers and cooperatives improve the effectiveness of their operations.
Brown has been a leader for Ohio’s rural communities, fighting to secure crucial funding for USDA grant and loan programs. He is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 50 years.
###