PATRICK – On Jan. 27, Congressional officials, state and local government, USDA Rural Development, the Town of Patrick, Alligator Rural Water Company and local citizens joined Rural Development State Director, Vernita F. Dore for a groundbreaking celebration at the Patrick Recreation Area, 212 US No. 1 Hwy, in Patrick.

Dore announced that Alligator Rural Water & Sewer Co., Inc. is going to receive a $9,381,000 Water and Waste Disposal grant and loan that is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“The Recovery Act water and wastewater project that we are announcing today furthers the Obama Administration’s goal to rebuild and revitalize the nation’s rural infrastructure. This project will help provide safe, dependable, high quality water service to residents served by Alligator Rural Water and Sewer Company. USDA Rural Development is proud to be a partner in this endeavor,” said Dore.

Alligator Water and Sewer Company will use Rural Development funds for a total replacement of the Town of Patrick’s water system and 24” water lines to supply addition supply to Chesterfield County Rural Water Company, Jefferson and Pageland. When the project is completed, the company will be providing safe, dependable high quality water service to 360 users in the Town of Patrick. They will also provide adequate fire protection for the Town of Patrick and also benefit approximately 35,000 additional users within Alligator Water and Sewer Company’s service area.

Marlous Black, public affairs specialist with USDA Rural Development said, “This is a great development for the Town of Patrick.” The new system will make a difference.”

According to Rural Development Office in Florence, Rural Development programs are available to help residents of rural communities with loans and grants.

Dore also said, “Rural Development believes that every citizen in South Carolina is deserving of safe, clean potable water. This is what Rural Development does to improve the quality of life in small rural communities and we want other communities to know that Rural Development funds are available to assist them.”

The ARRA funding announced today is being administered by USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program, which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

For more information, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov.