WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded the Arenzville Water Coop and North Morgan Water Coop with Rural Development investments to make improvements and ensure safe and potable water for rural communities. The Arenzville Water Coop will receive $1,259,500 in grants and loans. The North Morgan Water Coop will receive $1,930,800 in grants and loans.

“Strategic investments in rural communities in central and west-central Illinois are essential to supporting existing infrastructure and providing clean water resources,” said Rep. LaHood. “The funding awarded today will bolster important water resources in rural communities in Cass and Morgan counties. I applaud the Trump Administration and Secretary Perdue for their commitment to supporting rural development. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that our communities in central and west-central Illinois get the water infrastructure support they need.”

Background:
Arenzville Water Coop will receive $954,000 in federal loans and $305,500 in grant funding from the USDA. The Rural Development investment will be used to construct 20 miles of water main for the Arenzville Water Cooperative. This project will serve 42 new users in Cass County. This new waterline will include gate and air release valves along with an emergency interconnect. These system improvements will meet standards and will eliminate health and sanitary concerns.

North Morgan Water Coop will receive $1,536,000 in federal loans and $394,800 in grant funding from the USDA. This rural development investment will be used to install 38 miles of new waterline for the Willow Creek Phase of the North Morgan Water Cooperative. This phase will construct new waterline with nine main extensions. Approximately 182 residents will be served by this project which includes portions of Morgan and Cass counties. This expansion will provide safe, potable water to rural users within the coop’s service area.