Recently, SERCAP’s Facilities Development Program provided financial assistance to support improvements to the water treatment plant in the Town of Fries in Grayson County, Virginia. The Town of Fries is a small, rural community whose population has dwindled significantly over the past 33 years, declining from 2,500 residents in 1989 to only 500 residents in 2022. The water treatment facility, having been in operation for over 80 years, is vulnerable to power outages caused by storm-related tree damage, rendering the Town’s water supply inaccessible during emergency situations.
The Town was in desperate need of a back-up generator to ensure continued operation of the water treatment facility during a power outage, but was unable to afford the cost of purchasing the back-up generator without causing significant financial hardship. Fortunately, the Town, with assistance from Grayson County, applied to SERCAP for financial assistance to support the purchase. SERCAP’s Facilities Development Program awarded the Town a grant in the amount of $40,000.00 to purchase and professionally install an emergency generator large enough to power the facility in the event of a significant power outage. The installation of this back-up generator will enable the Town to maintain operation of its water treatment facility during emergencies, ensuring the continued provision of clean, safe drinking water during power outages.
Without SERCAP’s Facilities Development Program, and other similar services, many low-income households and communities would be forced to go without such necessities as reliable access to environmentally sound wastewater disposal solutions, clean drinking water, indoor plumbing, safe and affordable housing, community development and infrastructure needs, water/ wastewater infrastructure solutions, and more. It is important to remember that even in the United States in the 21st Century; there are those who do not have reliable access to clean, safe drinking water, environmentally sound septic facilities, and affordable housing. In order to help SERCAP continue to provide assistance to both the individuals and communities in need, please consider making a donation to SERCAP’s Water Life! Fund!
Donate Today: https://sercap.networkforgood.com/projects/27202-sercap-s-water-is-life-fund (opens new window).
*Funding for SERCAP’s Regional Department is made possible by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Community Services’ (OCS) Grant, USDA RD’s Technitrain Program, the Drinking Water Compliance Grant through the EPA, and the EPA Private Well Grant. SERCAP’s Facilities Development Grant Program is made possible by a Budget Appropriation from the Virginia General Assembly, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). Additionally, all of SERCAP’s programs in Virginia, are leveraged by the Budget Appropriation from the Virginia General Assembly, administered by DHCD.