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Bishop Hails USDA Grant, Loan to Ft. Valley

May 12, 2011

WASHINGTON – Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) today hailed the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to award rural development funds to the Fort Valley Utility Commission for water and waste disposal projects. The projects will improve the city's infrastructure by upgrading the water and sewage facilities in and around the Fort Valley State University (FVSU) campus.

"For far too long the infrastructure in rural areas has been overlooked. As a result, many of our communities have not received the investment needed to attract new businesses and grow their economies," said Rep. Bishop. "I am happy that USDA has approved these rural development funds, which will enhance the water treatment facilities in the Fort Valley area and encourage future investment in Peach County."

USDA Rural Development approved a $2,387,000 loan and a $1,848,000 grant to the Fort Valley Utility Commission. The funds will be used to add a 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank on the FVSU campus, a new well and a chemical feed building. The well and tank will be tied to the Fort Valley University and City's system by installing a 12'' water main. Also proposed is the replacement of a 12" water main on University Boulevard.

In 2009, Rep. Bishop secured funding for a wastewater reclamation project in Fort Valley. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with USDA Rural Development to ensure that rural communities in Southwest Georgia receive their fair share of Federal dollars. USDA gears these rural development projects towards improving the economy and way of life for rural communities across the country.

"In a country as great as ours, our rural areas should have access to a safe and reliable water supply," said Rep. Bishop. "We have an obligation to improve the water infrastructure in our rural communities, and I applaud USDA for recognizing the need in Fort Valley and for funding these critical projects."

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