USDA Rural Development State Director, Vernita F. Dore announced an award of more than $3.1 million to the Town of Iva for sewer improvements as part of an Earth Day celebration in Iva, South Carolina. After the ceremony, Ms. Dore, Town of Iva Mayor Bobby Gentry and members of the Crescent High School Future Farmers of America commemorated Earth Day by planting a Japanese red maple tree outside the Iva Civic Center.
Earth Day is observed annually on April 22nd to raise awareness about the role each person can play to protect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include participation by citizens and governments in more than 195 countries.
"Earth Day is a great opportunity to highlight the critical role USDA Rural Development plays in improving the environment and quality of life in rural South Carolina," said Dore. "Rural Development is helping to provide safe drinking water and sanitary waste-water disposal systems so that our rivers and lakes are available for future generations to enjoy."
The Town of Iva was selected to receive a $1,259,000 loan and a $1,859,000 grant to improve wastewater treatment service.
The funds for this project are administered through USDA Rural Development's Community Programs.
