WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced $2.5 million in federal funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to upgrade and rebuild rural water infrastructure in Downe Township, Cumberland County New Jersey.

“Dependable and well-serviced wastewater treatment plants are crucial components of any modern society,” said Senator Menendez. “This federally-funded upgrade to Cumberland County’s waste management system will help to ensure that residents throughout the region benefit from high quality, environmentally-friendly wastewater treatment facilities.”

“Investing in New Jersey’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the health and safety of our communities and the strength of our local economy,” said Senator Booker. “This federal funding will strengthen Cumberland County’s wastewater infrastructure, protect the health of our families and our environment, and help lay the foundation for future economic growth."

USDA Rural Development provides grants and loans to help expand economic opportunities and strengthen job prospects in rural areas. This Rural Development investment will be used to construct a low-pressure wastewater collection system and package treatment plant. In Fiscal Year 2016, Rural Development provided $58,000 in grants for the wastewater treatment plant. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank will provide the additional funding to complete this project.

USDA is providing funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

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