Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A grant in the amount of $778,000 has been awarded to the Town of Osgood, according to information from Congressman Baron Hill’s office.

The Congressman was pleased that Osgood was selected for the sizeable grant and also a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was administered by the agency’s Rural Development Water and Environmental Program. The loan was in the amount of $2,370,000.

The particular water system improvement program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money is slated to be used for water system improvements for the town.

“This is great news for the residents and local leaders of Osgood,” Hill noted. “Not only will this money allow the town to work on water improvements for the safety and well being of its citizens, such infrastructure projects are also key to economic development.”

Osgood Clerk Treasurer Tammy Wilhoit echoed Hill’s feelings about the grant and loan. “I am very excited to hear that Osgood is receiving this funding,” she noted. “We have been working on improving our water system for a long time, and the stimulus money has made the project possible. Our citizens will benefit greatly and it will be good for attracting future economic development too.”

Gary Norman, Ripley County Economic Development Director noted, “The Town of Osgood has been working with IDEM regarding water issues. Budgets have shrunk and time to make improvements has run short. This news just could not have come at a better time.”

The town and local officials feel fortunate to have secured the monies especially since they were one of only 47 projects selected to receive money under this program.