DAVIS, CALIF. – Following a historic drought, devastating wildfire season and the legislature’s failure to provide funding to repair rural water districts, at least one unincorporated community in Tulare County has received funding to work on its water system.
Last week, USDA Rural Development announced that the Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District had been awarded an $11.3 million loan to replace 10 miles of steel irrigation pipe and to make road improvements. The District provides essential community services to nearly 170 homes, farms and businesses in Strathmore.
The loan is part of a $14 million Community Facilities Loan package that provided a $3 million loan to the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, in San Bernardino County, to refinance their harbor, restore the marina and make necessary infrastructure improvements. This project will improve the facilities that support the Tribal ferry boat, which serves as the primary form of transportation to cross Lake Havasu for access to local grocery stores, schools, medical facilities and other services.
Nationally, USDA invested more than $40 million in 32 projects to repair, enhance or build infrastructure in fiscal year 2017. 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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca.
