Woodbine Gets Additional Funding for Water Project

WOODBINE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development has awarded Woodbine additional loans and grants of $1.9 million, for a total project nearly $4 million.
According to a release from Mayor William Pikolycky, previously, USDA Rural Development awarded loans & grants of nearly $2 million to help the then Woodbine Municipal Utilities Authority (WMUA) (now part of the borough’s Water and Sewer Utility) make critical repairs and improvements to the existing water treatment plan and distribution system.
The borough’s water treatment plant had its last major capital upgrades in the 1980s. This funding will ensure the plant’s continued use in a safe, economical, and compliant manner.
Water quality in Woodbine has been consistently tested as well within satisfactory limits as determined by the state Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which requires the municipality to test on a regular basis.
The yearly Consumer Confidence Report reflects the high quality of WMUA’s water supply. The USDA funding will enable the borough to continue these high standards.
Designed to help very small, financially-challenged rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses, the USDA Water and Waste Program aim to save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and provide the resource capacity to enable manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.
This project will help to ensure the highest water quality standards for residents and provide the essential infrastructure needed to create local jobs while helping the overall economy in the borough.
 This comprehensive program of upgrades to the borough’s water system including the well house, filtration system, garage and related facilities and extension or replacement of water mains will continue to favorably impact Woodbine’s Public Protection Classification rating which continues to be upgraded due to municipally funded improvements to the water delivery system during the last several years.
“Recognizing the need for supplemental funding for an expanded scope of work, we reapplied to USDA, who acknowledged the importance of this project by providing this additional funding,” added Pikolycky. “We wish to thank USDA for once again supporting Woodbine’s initiatives and look forward to a possible fall start of construction.”