The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing more than $13.6 million to expand the Wilcox County Water and Sewer Authority’s water system. The project is part of the agency’s program to expand clean, safe, and modern drinking water utility services into areas not served by a modern water system.

“In some areas of the state, people take turning on the tap and receiving clean, safe drinking water for granted,” said Nivory Gordon, the USDA’s Rural Development Alabama state director.

With the new program, Wilcox County residents will soon have the needed infrastructure to make fresh tap water a reality, he said.

Gordon praised the county governments and local utility officials working together on the project, as well as the USDA’s support. The project is funded through a $3.7 million loan and a $9.9 million grant through the federal Water and Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program.

The plan includes expansion of nearly 37 miles of water mains, connection to a neighboring water system, new automated meters, new technology, and the refurbishment of all the water holding tanks. Additionally, upgrades to all five wells and pumping stations will take place to benefit the 9,915 rural residents of Wilcox County.

David Palmore is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News.