미국 농무부는 미국 전역의 시골 주민과 환경이익을 위한 환경수질 및 폐수 관리 서비스 개선 프로젝트 지원 발표로 2014년 지구의 날을 축하했다.

최근 발표는 미국 농무부의 시골 지역의 수질과 폐수 시스템을 위한 지구의날 최대 투자이다. 거의 3억 8천 700백만 달러가 푸워토 리코 공화국과 40개 주의 116수령인에게 지원됐다. 또한, 부서는 2014년 농업법을 통해 1억5천만 달러 보조금과 추가로 물과 환경 프로그램으로에서 2억3천700백만 달러의 보조금과 대출을 제공했다.

특정한 기후 변화는 지방의 물 시스템을 더욱 강조한다. 도시의 많은 지역에서 강우가 변화하였고, 그 결과 홍수와 가뭄, 눈으로 덮인 들판이 감소하고 폭우와 극심한 혹서가 빈번하게 일어났다. 이러한 이유로 지역사회 시설의 빈번한 수리와 개선으로 국가 재정 압박을 받았다.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated Earth Day 2014 by announcing record support for numerous projects across the United States that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment.
 
Today's announcement is USDA's largest Earth Day investment in rural water and wastewater systems. Nearly $387 million is being awarded to 116 recipients in 40 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Department is providing $150 million in grants through the 2014 Farm Bill plus $237 million in loans and grants from its Water and Environmental Program.

"Having reliable, clean and safe water is essential for any community to thrive and grow," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "I am proud that USDA helps build rural communities from the ground up by supporting water infrastructure projects like these. I am especially proud that we can help communities that are struggling economically and those that have urgent health and safety concerns due to their failing water systems."

Climate change in particular is putting more stress on municipal water systems. Many areas around the country have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, declines in snowpack, intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. All of these are placing fiscal strains on communities -- causing them to make more frequent (and often more expensive) repairs and upgrades. Among projects funded this year:

McCrory, Ark., is receiving $2.1 million to build a water treatment facility and two water supply wells, as well as refurbish its two water storage tanks. The improvements will reduce high manganese and iron levels in the water supply to provide safe drinking water to McCrory's nearly 800 residents. McCrory is in Woodruff County, a persistent poverty area that is part of USDA's "StrikeForce initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity."

Paintsville, Ky., is receiving a $4.9 million loan and $2.1 million grant to rehabilitate its sanitary and stormwater sewer systems. This is one of 10 projects funded by USDA that will improve water infrastructure in rural areas of Kentucky. The Paintsville project will serve nearly 2,300 residents and businesses and protect the ecosystems of Paint Creek and nearby lakes.

San Joaquin, Calif., is receiving a $1 million loan/grant combination to replace a contaminated well. The city had to shut down one of its three wells due to high levels of bacteria. Once completed, this project will ensure San Joaquin residents have safe, clean drinking water.

Ohio Erie County Commissioners will use $3 million in loans and nearly $3 million in grants to replace individual on-site waste treatment systems that discharge into and pollute the Sandusky Bay and surrounding areas. The commissioners also will build a wastewater collection system for the Village of Bay View and the neighboring Bay Bridge area. The Bay View peninsula is a vital ecological and economic area in the Western Basin of Lake Erie.

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 American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary 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.

[출처 = Water World/ 2014년 4월 22일]