WASHINGTON D.C. —  U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME), and Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a total of $3,495,000 to the towns of Bethel and Milo for wastewater treatment and sewer facility upgrades.

Currently, the Mill Hill pump station suffers from several broken pipes that leak waste into the surrounding area. The sewers in Milo have also experienced infiltration issues at the detriment of public health.

“Towns thrive when they have access to safe, durable community infrastructure like roads, bridges, and wastewater systems,” said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Golden. “The wastewater facilities in both Bethel and Milo require immediate investment to ensure that the towns have continued access to clean water. This funding will get these vital services back on track – improving local health and saving the communities money in the long run.”

The Mill Hill pump station in Bethel is over 50 years old. The town will receive a $1,200,000 grant and a $2,200,000 loan to make the necessary upgrades. The town of Milo will receive a $95,000 grant for critical upgrades to sewers on Harmon and Daggett streets.

These grants are part of a nationwide $808 million investment in rural cooperatives and utilities by USDA.

Read more about the awards here.

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