**USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT NEBRASKA**

Contact: Bert Mues, Rural Development Specialist

North Platte, Nebraska

> \(308\) 534-2360

<bert.mues@ne.usda.gov>

or

Gregg McGreer, Chairperson

Big Springs, NE

\(308\) 889-3681

**USDA Funds Water Project for Big Springs**

**North Platte, Nebraska, January 30**-USDA Rural Development announced
today, the awarding of \$636,000 in loan and \$792,000 in grant funds to
the Village of Big Springs to be used for a water improvement project
benefiting the Village\'s 418 residents. The improvements will ensure
the delivery of safe and dependable water services to Big Springs and
will bring the Village\'s water system into compliance with the Safe
Drinking Water Act.

Roberta Mues, rural development specialist for USDA Rural Development
commented, \"Big Springs lost two wells from the drought of 2000,
leaving the community with two remaining wells, one of which is likely
under the influence of surface water and susceptible to potential
contamination.\" \"The Village\'s storage facilities and control system
also pose a problem as both are no longer reliable nor meeting the needs
of the Village.\"

Big Spring\'s four wells were put into service in 1946, 1960, 1971 and
1972. The existing water distribution system was constructed around 1927
with the 50,000 gallon elevated water tower being constructed with the
original water system. The manually operated water tower has no controls
connecting the wells to the tower and lacks the desired fire storage or
pressure head for the water system. In 1987 several of the water mains
were replaced, leaving that part of the water system in good condition.

Community Development Block Grant funds of \$250,000 will accompany
USDA\'s \$1.4 million for an estimated project cost of nearly \$1.7
million. The USDA Rural Development loan will be repaid over 40 years at
4.5 percent interest. Improvements to be made with the funding include
the development of two new wells including pumps, well houses, and radio
controls; the construction of a 100,000 gallon water tower; placement of
transmission main from the wells to the system; and the installation of
new distribution mains for improved system circulation. Test wells were
drilled in Big Springs and to the north with a feasible well field being
located 5 miles north of Big Springs.

USDA Rural Development is a credit arm of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture whose mission is to provide financial assistance to rural
communities who are unable to secure acceptable credit elsewhere for
housing, community facilities, and business development. Assistance
provided can be in the form of grants, direct loans, and guarantees on
loans made by commercial lenders.

USDA\'s funding for the Big Springs water project is through the USDA
Rural Development Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program. For
information contact Bert Mues in the USDA Rural Development Office, 1202
S. Cottonwood North Platte, Neb. 69101 or phone (308) 534-2360. Website:
[www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/](http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ne/).

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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider and
Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to USDA, Director,
OCR, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.