BETHEL — The U.S. Department of Agriculture selected Bethel to receive a total of $1,303,000 in grant and loan money to upgrade the town’s water and waste disposal systems.

Maine is one of 32 states that will receive funds through the USDA’s Rural Development program. The sum of $503,000 will be a Water and Waste Disposal Grant and $800,000 will be a loan.

Town Manager Jim Doar said the town had pursued Rural Development funds to upgrade its water and waste disposal systems, including the replacement of a 40-year-old pump station.

“Sometimes, it can be hard to find the money,” Doar said. “We hope to go out to bid for the upgrades by the end of the week.”

In addition to replacing the pump station, the funds also will be used to improve two other pump stations and install a new force main along Vernon Street.

In a news release from the USDA on Monday, USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “Congratulations to the town of Bethel for being selected as Maine USDA Rural Development’s Earth Day Project for 2013. Rural Development’s key contribution of $1.3 million will ensure the town can make vital upgrades that will help to protect the Androscoggin River, Mill Brook and surrounding wetlands to keep Maine’s environment pristine for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The USDA Rural Development program will provide more than $145.2 million in 32 states to help improve water quality and provide a safe and healthy environment for rural Americans, according to the release. In all, 43 water and waste-water projects will be funded.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com

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