WINTERHAVEN, Calif., Dec. 11, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Farah Ahmad announced today that the Department is partnering with the Winterhaven County Water District to build a new groundwater well that will provide clean, reliable drinking water for the community and ensure their office building is accessible for all.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA believe that all people, regardless of where they live, deserve access to clean water, quality housing and reliable health care,” Deputy Under Secretary Ahmad said. “The investment we’re announcing in Winterhaven’s water system today will give peace of mind and assurance that the water is safe and clean every time anyone here in the community turns on the faucet.”
The Winterhaven investment is part a nationwide announcement that is providing funds for other underserved rural communities across the nation, including in California. For example:
- Self-Help Enterprises will use a $300,000 Housing Preservation Grant to assist very-low-income homeowners in Tulare and Kings counties to make home improvements so they have safe and sanitary places to live.
- The California Center for Cooperative Development will use a $175,000 Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant to provide technical assistance to agriculture, housing, and worker cooperatives in underserved communities in Fresno and Tulare Counties.
A complete list of projects is available online.
Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.