RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR ADELSTEIN CELEBRATES EARTH DAY AT COACHELLA’S NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

(APRIL 17, 2012) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR ADELSTEIN CELEBRATES EARTH DAY AT COACHELLA’S NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

COACHELLA, CA, Apr 17, 2012 -- Earth Day celebrations kicked-off early this year in Coachella as USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Jonathan Adelstein joined Coachella Mayor Eduardo Garcia and others at the city’s newly enhanced wastewater treatment facility. USDA Rural Development provided financing for the project with funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “It is critical that communities like Coachella have reliable, safe wastewater systems," said Adelstein. "Sus problemas son nuestros problemas, and we -- the people of this community and the Obama Administration -- are working in partnership to fix them. This Earth Day, USDA is commemorating 150 years of working with Americans to protect the land." Previously, the City of Coachella was in violation of the Regional Water Quality Control Board since its wastewater system was near its capacity and had experienced some problems during peak hours. Funds allowed the city to construct new concrete drying beds and rehabilitate old sewage tanks that would expand their capacity by 1.5 million gallons of sewage a day. The new system will enable the city to provide safe, effective waste removal for all current residents and will ensure room for growth. In addition to the $3 million low-interest loan for this project, USDA Rural Development has assisted the City of Coachella with two other major improvement projects in recent years to help improve water and wastewater systems. In 2006, a $5 million loan helped construct a new water storage tank; and in 2002, a $5 million loan and $1.25 million grant was used to help construct a new sewage pump station. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov ###