As the United States Department of Agriculture celebrated Earth Day, Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund announced the completion of the water project in the community of Kasaan.

In a press release, USDA said the Earth Day announcement of the completion highlights the Rural Developments efforts to improve environmental and health conditions in rural Alaskan communities.

“This water system project is critical because communities across the state should have access to reliable, clean and safe water that meet necessary drinking water standards,” said Nordlund. “The water treatment plant and water storage tank now provide quality drinking water to the residents of Kasaan,” he added.

In a partnership between the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the state of Alaska, Indian Health Service and USDA, the new infrastructure was put into operation after the final inspection on March 20th.

“The community of Kasaan needed a larger water plant that would be able to meet our current and future demands plus meet new Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The USDA-RD helped supply the necessary funds to build a larger water plant and new storage tank in a safer location. The community of Kasaan will now have a safer and more adequate supply of drinking water,” said Kasaan City Mayor, Audrey L. Escoffon.

Southeast Alaska, where Kasaan is located, is one of the areas recently identified for USDA’s new “StrikeForce” initiative. The economy and jobs in Southeast have been affected by the downturn of the timber industry in the area. Rural Development and other USDA agencies are working to promote efforts for partnering with rural communities and regions on projects that promote economic growth.