USDA Rural Development State Director Mary “Ruth” Tackett was joined Thursday by state, federal and community leaders to present a $1.4 million ceremonial check to the Walden’s Ridge Utility District for water line system improvements that will better serve areas that have reached their capacity. The ceremony was held at the utility district’s office in Walden.
“Helping rural communities access a clean, safe water source is at the forefront of our public service mission,” Ms. Tackett said. “I applaud all the agencies here today for working together to bring this much-needed assistance for the Signal Mountain community.”
The water system improvements will provide service to 179 new customers whose wells tested positive for contaminates. The extensions will include service to Corral Road, Sawyer Pike, Roberts Mill, Gray Fryar, Layton and Walker Roads and will consist of six and eight inch main through additional areas in the region.
"We appreciate Rural Development and Hamilton County for all they have done to make this project possible,” said Ron West, General Manager for Walden's Ridge Utility District. "Our mission is to provide water to all people in our service area. This project will help in achieving that goal."
The system improvements are funded through Rural Development’s Community Program which provides assistance to public bodies or not for profit entities to finance water, sanitary sewerage, solid waste disposal, and storm wastewater facilities for rural residents. Loans and/or grants are made to serve rural areas with a population less than 10,000.
Participants in the check presentation ceremony included Tyler Owens, Field Rep. for U.S. Sen. Bill Frist; Jeff Lewis, Field Rep. for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander; Kerry Steelman, Field Director for U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp; Claude Ramsey, Hamilton County Mayor; Richard Casavant, Hamilton County Commissioner: Hale Booth, Executive Director, Southeast Tenn. Development District; Hal Morris, Utility Specialist, Southeast Tenn. Development District and Rural Development representatives.
USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities by assisting with financial and technical assistance through various housing, community and business-cooperative programs. Further information on Tennessee Rural Development programs can be obtained by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.