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ROBERTS TO RECEIVE NEW WASTEWATER SYSTEM

Crapo announces Rural Development loan and grant

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announces the City of Roberts in Eastern Idaho's Jefferson County will soon begin construction on a new wastewater treatment facility, thanks to federal funds distributed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Program. Crapo, Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Revitalization, Conservation, Forestry and Credit, says the city has been approved for a $1 million loan and $260,000 grant to replace the system that is about 40 years old.

"Improvements to infrastructure are critical to the economic welfare and general health of rural communities like Roberts," noted Crapo. "I am pleased to see these federal dollars go toward ensuring the continued public safety and health needs for the residents of Roberts and Jefferson County."

Mike Field, State Director for USDA Rural Development, said, "Having an updated, more effective wastewater treatment plant will strengthen the City's infrastructure as well as increase its ability to meet future needs and we are excited to be able to partner with the citizens of Roberts in this effort."

The funding will replace the city's wastewater lagoon system with upgraded technology known as a Sequencing Batch Reactor treatment plant. The project will also include an emergency generator for the collection system lift station.

Effluent from the current system fails to meet regulatory standards and is particularly more of a hazard during winter months when water flow is at lower levels. The project meets Roberts Mayor Gary Mitchell's goal to limit any rate increases to no more than 5 percent annually.