WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced today that Virginia has received a $1 million grant from the Department of Agriculture to improve water quality in Wise County. The $1 million grant, combined with a $276,000 loan, will help fund a public sewer system in the communities of Osaka and Roda, which have faced public health issues and environmental concerns due to direct sewage discharge into streams. The project will serve 73 households in Wise County.

“Expanding access to clean, reliable public water supplies has been a priority of mine since I served as Governor, when we extended access to more than 70,000 Virginians while also making record investments in Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund,” Sen. Warner said. “This is a welcome and significant step to promote public health and support improved water quality in Wise County.”

“It’s critical for public health and quality of life that every Virginia community can depend on reliable water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Kaine. "I am pleased with this major new investment in Southwest Virginia, and I am committed to supporting these essential infrastructure needs even in tight budgetary times, particularly in rural communities."