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Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-21) announced today over $1.7 million for rural water projects in the village of Fort Plain. This is out of a total of $117.3 million in water and environmental project loans and grants announced today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Fort Plain was one of just 31 total projects in this round of funding to receive money.Today's funding is being administered by the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Water and Environmental Program, which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.The funding, which totals $1,357,000 in loans and $371,725 in grants, will install a new water tank and add a new filtration and dilution system. The current water tower was installed in the early 1980s but has encountered problems. It will also replace an 80-year-old cast iron pipe that has nearly been washed out on several occasions. "It is more important than ever for elected officials to be able to deliver projects to our local communities, especially as budgets become tougher and tougher to balance," said Rep. Tonko. "I am happy to announce this funding today for Fort Plain and hope that these loans and grants will enable the community to provide even better services."Congress passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 earlier this year, which President Obama into law on Feb. 17, 2009. 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.