Ash Grove, Sparta receive federal loans

Two southwest Missouri communities are getting low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program.

The city of Ash Grove is receiving a $2 million, 35-year loan for multiple infrastructure improvements. The work includes replacing an existing wastewater lift station and failing water mains that have caused low pressure in parts of the city's water system, which serves more than 600 homes.

"This is a long-overdue upgrade for our city's infrastructure," Ash Grove Mayor Brenda Ellsworth said in a news release. "We hope to begin work on it immediately."

Sparta Senior Citizens House Inc. has secured a $322,918 loan to revitalize existing rental housing for low-income rural residents. The loan is part of a $440,000 remodeling program for Sparta rental housing.

"The USDA Rural Development program has been instrumental in helping small communities improve water distribution system, wastewater treatment facilities and low-income housing," U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt said in the release. "These grants will contribute to better living conditions for the citizens of these communities."

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