USDA Rural Development celebrates Earth Day in Harford

USDA Rural Development joined state, county, and township officials for a special Earth Day event in Harford Township.

The event, held at the Harford Township building, celebrated recent upgrades to the Harford Township wastewater treatment plant.

Rural Development was able to fund these upgrades through a $1,931,900 USDA Water and Environmental Programs loan.

“USDA Rural Development is proud to celebrate Earth Day,” said Rural Development State Director Tom Williams. “We are dedicated to protecting our most precious resource by keeping our rivers and streams clean. By removing nutrients this project will improve the quality of the Susquehanna River which provides 70% of the fresh water to the Chesapeake Bay. Protecting our environment is everyone’s responsibility.”

Rural Development Water and Environmental Program funding will provide long-term, fixed rate financing to upgrade the Harford Township wastewater treatment plant. These upgrades will allow the plant to meet stringent monitoring and discharge criteria as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for nitrogen and phosphorus removal.

This project will also replace grinder pumps and add a garage at the plant to house and repair equipment.

The first Earth Day was celebrated 46 years ago, and every year since then thousands of people throughout the United States have volunteered in their communities throughout the month of April. The goal of Earth Day is to inspire action, awareness, and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.

Last year Rural Development in Pennsylvania invested $74,126,800 through 14 Water and Environmental loan and grant projects throughout the state. These projects ensure that all communities in Pennsylvania have access to safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal.

For a full list of Water and Environmental Programs, visit the Rural Development website at www.rd.usda.gov/pa.