PORTLAND- Congressman Tom Reed announced Tuesday the Town of Portland will receive rural development loans and grants of over $1.3 million. The funds will improve water service infrastructure to area residents and businesses, spurring economic opportunity as part of the larger Northern Chautauqua County Water District infrastructure improvement initiative.
“Enhancing our local economies is a priority of mine and this funding is a major step in advancing the North County Water District,” Reed stated. “These necessary upgrades to the dated infrastructure will not only provide safe, clean, and accessible water for area residents, but also help attract new businesses to the area.
“This is a huge win for the Town of Portland and surrounding communities. I am happy to have partnered with our local and state officials to make this project a reality.”
The funding was approved through United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. Reed has been an vocal supporter of the Northern Chautauqua County Water District since its launch in 2013 and worked closely with USDA Rural Development officials to secure the funding.
“This is an essential project for the residents of Portland. With the flooding we had a couple years ago, we know the importance of municipal water versus well water and initiated this project, the new District 8, for our residents. This grant makes the project possible, and I would like to thank Congressman Reed for his support to make this project a reality,” said Daniel Schrantz, Town Supervisor for the Town of Portland.
The existing private water sources have health and sanitary issues, according to the Chautauqua County Department of Health. This is a critical step for the area to retain residents and attract commerce with a public water system.