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Thompson Announces $250,000 in Federal Funding to Improve, Replace Rixford Water System

September 17, 2018

Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA funds will replace 2 damaged water storage tanks with 43,000-gallon glass fused steel tank

BELLEFONTE, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT' Thompson today announced $250,000 in federal funding that will replace aging water tanks in Rixford to ensure the community has access to safe drinking water.

The project is made possible thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and a $125,000loan from USDA Rural Development. Two existing water tanks that are beyond repair will be replaced with a 43,000-gallon glass fused steel tank that will benefit more than 230 people.

"These federal grants and loans are doing exactly what they're intended to do: support rural communities and ensure residents have access to safe drinking water, sanitary sewer and waste disposal systems," Rep. Thompson said. "This is tremendous news for the Rixford community, and I am thrilled that after more than 70 years of use these water tanks will be replaced in a timely manner before they fail. I congratulate the team that pursued these funding opportunities for benefit of the community."

The project was a collaborative effort:

It was spearheaded by Jeff Anderson, President, of the Rixford Waterworks Association;

Gay DeGolier of the McKean County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Linda Thomas of USDA assisted with the USDA loan application;

The ARC grant was prepared by Bob Rusiewski of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission.


ABOUT THE PROJECT

Rixford Waterworks Association (RWA) is a community water system located in Otto Township in McKean County. The system, which is metered at the well, serves a population of about 234 individuals at approximately 100 service connections.

There are currently two tanks – one 10,000-gallon tank and one 20,000-gallon tank. These will be replaced with a new, 43,000-gallon water storage tank. The existing tanks are more than 70 years-old and have visible signs of deterioration as evidenced by holes in the tops of the tanks.

Replacing the aging tanks will result in a system that is sustainable and can reliably provide safe drinking water to the residents of Rixford at a reasonable rate.

ABOUT THE ARC

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.


ABOUT USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas.

This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care, and high-speed internet access in rural areas.