USDA Announces $1M Investment For Brookings Water System Repairs

(Portland, Ore., September 17, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Oregon State Director Jim Carmack today announced that the agency is investing $1 million to make essential improvements to the water system serving Brookings in Curry County.

"USDA's investment in this infrastructure project plays an important part in the overall vision Brookings holds for itself," said Carmack. "Water infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth, public health, and long-term resilience and we are pleased to be a partner to rural Oregon through all our funding programs."

The water distribution infrastructure along Easy Street in Brookings is built primarily of aging, under-sized asbestos-cement and cast-iron water mains. Much of the water mains are undersized to meet current system demands and do not meet modern standards for fire flow, reliability or performance. Repeated leaks and breaks in these lines cause water loss, rising maintenance costs, and service disruption to the residents and businesses along the route. With this investment, approximately 3,000 linear feet of water line along Easy Street will be replaced with a new 12-inch PVC main, new fire hydrants, and upgraded water services. These improvements will support dependable access to secure water for daily use and emergency response.

The funding is provided through USDA's Water and Environmental Programs. Through USDA's Rural Utilities Service, the Water and Environmental Programs help rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America. Rural Development is a leader in helping rural America improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for rural people.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making agency investment data accessible to the public. Subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates or follow us at @RD_Oregon.