Mechanic Falls and Farmington together will receive about $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for water and waste disposal projects, it was announced Wednesday.

The USDA’s Rural Development Program has approved a water and waste disposal loan of $855,000 and a grant of $675,000 for the Mechanic Falls sanitary district.

Farmington received a loan of $143,000 and a grant of $387,000 from the same program.

The communities are among 56 nationwide that will receive water infrastructure funds from the USDA.

“This funding is a welcome investment in our state,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, whose office released the information. “The need to improve water infrastructure is an issue facing towns and cities throughout the country. If not properly addressed, these infrastructure deficiencies can negatively impact public health and the environment.”

In Mechanic Falls, the funds will be used to install new storm drains along Elm, Park and Schools streets, and complete sewer replacement upgrades along Marshall and Main streets. The emphasis of the project on sewer remediation and separation will remove peak excess flows, reducing untreated discharges into the Little Androscoggin.

In Farmington, funds will be used to install a new pumping system to replace failing pumps. The current system is in danger of breaking down and sending raw sewage overflow into the Sandy River or the surrounding residential basements.

Copy the Story Link