WASHINGTON -- Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will direct more than $5.8 million to St. Paul, Virginia for improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure and to help protect water quality. The funding is made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, supported by both senators.

The Town of St. Paul is receiving a $4,048,000 grant and a $1,810,000 loan.

“These investments will provide much-needed maintenance to St. Paul and the wastewater systems in Wise and Russell County,” said Senator Webb. “I am pleased that funding is being directed to areas of the Commonwealth hit hardest by the economic downturn.”

“We made significant progress in extending clean drinking water to thousands of Virginians in Southwest while I was governor and I am pleased that we can continue this effort in Wise County,” said Senator Warner. “This grant will create jobs and improve the rural infrastructure even as we provide clean drinking water to hundreds of families.”

The Recovery Act, which was signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009, is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.

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