The Village of Walthill is taking important steps toward modernizing its water and wastewater systems thanks to support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program.
For a village of just 700, the cost of planning and engineering improvements can feel out of reach. Fortunately, the SEARCH program provides very small communities with resources for feasibility studies, preliminary design, and technical assistance.
According to Kevin Connot, Walthill’s economic development specialist, the town’s water system is aging. Like many other rural communities, Walthill is facing the challenge of updating its old infrastructure. Issues such as leaks, faulty valves, and older water lines are prevalent.
“The SEARCH grant was substantial enough to cover the cost of an engineering planning study that identified the weakest parts of the system along with a cost estimate for repair and replacement,” he said.
An engineering planning study is crucial. Many state and federal funding opportunities require detailed preliminary engineering reports before a village can move forward with its application.
Kevin hopes this award will be a step in the process of creating a safer, more reliable, and more efficient water system.
“The study identified and quantified the needs along with prioritizing them into manageable phases,” he said.
The SEARCH program was designed with villages like Walthill in mind—rural areas of 2,500 people or less with limited financial resources. By covering predevelopment costs such as feasibility studies and preliminary engineering, the program ensures that communities aren’t left behind simply because they can’t afford the first steps.
Kevin acknowledged that SEARCH is a good program and working with USDA staff was a great experience.
“They are knowledgeable and willing to provide needed assistance during the application process and through project closeout,” he said.
Applications for SEARCH are accepted year round. For more information on SEARCH and related programs, visit rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs.
