U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today a new grant and loan for the Bluewell Public Service District in Bluefield, West Virginia. The grant of $62,000 and loan of $12,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be used to construct filter backwash facilities in order to comply with the requirements of the West Virginia State Department of Environmental Protection.

"The Rural Development funds of the USDA continue to help the communities of southern West Virginia with vital projects," said Rahall. "By improving water and waste disposal in Bluefield, the USDA is helping to make our area cleaner and our residents healthier."

According to the USDA, the improvement to the water system will also better serve the District's 2,818 existing customers.

"We in southern West Virginia appreciate the help of programs like the USDA Rural Development fund, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Economic Development Administration. All of these are a huge help to our communities," Rahall said.

This loan and grant are to be utilized with an initial local of $360,000 and grant of $250,000, which were obligated in fiscal year 2002, according to the USDA.