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Source: McCook Gazette
BENKELMAN -- USDA Rural Development has awarded $1,351,000 ($993,000 loan and $358,000 grant) to the City of Benkelman to construct a new water treatment plant that will serve more than 1,000 rural residents. A $350,000 Community Development Block Grant and $245,000 from the City will complete the funding package.
"The City of Benkelman is very pleased to have been selected for this USDA Rural Development funding," said Mayor Harlan Cansler, City of Benkelman. "The City Council and I were stunned to learn that the recent water well project completed by the City no longer met the new federal mandates on drinking water. The unceasing efforts of the City engineers to correct the problem failed and it was determined that a treatment facility was required to provide safe and clean drinking water to the residents."
"The City of Benkelman is a very progressive community and Rural Development is pleased to assist the area residents to obtain safe drinking water," said Area Technician Natalie Furrow, USDA Rural Development. "The City has diligently explored all options available and worked hard to find the best solution for their community's water needs. We are excited to see this project get started and come to fruition."
"To obtain the grant monies was an extremely competitive process. The very low interest loan rate resulted in fairer and more reasonable water rates for the City and was very helpful in determining the overall cost for the City taxpayers," said Cansler. "The City Council and I especially appreciate the efforts of U.S. Senator Ben Nelson to obtain this loan and grant. We commend the USDA Rural Development office staff who were such a big help in completing the process. Now is the time for all municipal entities to look to USDA Rural Development to help with their water project financing needs."
The Rural Development loan is for 20 years at 2.625 percent interest.
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