Rural Utilities Administrator John Padalino visited Indiana last month to promote electrical, energy efficiency, broadband and water programs provided to communities by USDA.
Padalino and Indiana Rural Development State Director Philip Lehmkuhler traveled to Mexico, Indiana to celebrate the community’s new wastewater treatment plant which was funded by USDA Rural Development.
The community of Mexico is a very low income area of less than 1,000 residents in Miami County. There are 283 homes and small businesses located along the Eel River which had been using septic tanks for sewage treatment. Due to the small lots and soil types, many of the septic systems were failing and discharging sewage into the river.
This project constructed a sewage collection system and treatment plant for the community, installed over 36,000 feet of sewer lines and one vacuum station, and helped reduce pollution in the Eel River Watershed area.
Padalino also spoke at the G & T (Generating and Transmission) Managers Meeting at a downtown Indianapolis hotel. Afterword, Padalino joined State Director Lehmkuhler during a meeting at Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator.
To find out more about how USDA Utilities programs can support your community goals click here.