Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, R-Southwest Louisiana, today announced $6.1 million in grants and loans to upgrade existing wastewater treatment plants and pump stations in Erath and Maurice.

“Safe, clean drinking water is critical to a town’s growth, and these grants and loans enable families in Erath and Maurice to be more confident with their tap water,” Boustany said.  “I am pleased with this grant because it will help Vermillion Parish meet its growing demand.  These are important projects for these communities, and I know the funds will be well spent.”

The grants and loans are part of USDA’s Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal program.  In Erath, a $1,825,488 grant and a $2,485,000 loan will help bring the wastewater treatment up to new Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality discharge limits.

Erath Mayor George Dupuis said, “We are at capacity, and this grant has us counting our blessings for Congressman Boustany’s help with the USDA.  The projects should be bid in a year, so we are moving forward to improve our water quality.”

The Maurice wastewater treatment plant will be upgraded as well as three pump stations in order to meet the town’s growth.  The Maurice project received a $596,500 grant and a $1,214,000 loan payable over 40 years.

Maurice Mayor Bob Ferguson added, “This grant is much needed to improve the sewer system which hadn’t been upgraded since the 1970’s, and we will be able to double our current capacity.  With our growth, I anticipate we will become a town following the 2010 census.  This grant helps make that happen.”

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