USDA Invest $18.6 Million in the City of Jasper for Major Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

(Jasper, Ga., June 9, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Georgia State Director Joyce White today announced the completion of a major wastewater infrastructure improvement project in the city of Jasper, Pickens County. The project was funded by the agency's Water and Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program.

"Wastewater projects are not the most glamorous, but they're essential to the prosperity of our rural communities," said White. "Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development is proud to be a partner to water districts across rural Georgia as they continue providing safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal."

This $15.7 million loan investment was combined with a nearly $3 million grant to expand and modernize the city's water pollution control plant. The project doubles the facility's treatment capacity from 780,000 gallons per day to 1.56 million gallons per day. The city installed nearly two miles of 16" effluent force main, directing treated water to a newly permitted location under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This project is critical to ensuring the city would meet projected demand from residential and commercial development, as well as protect human health and the environment.

"We are thankful for the partnership with USDA Rural Development and their investment in our community," said Mayor Kirk D. Raffield. "The city of Jasper remains committed to partnerships and projects ensuring our community's vitality and future."

USDA Rural Development's Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program helps rural communities fund clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to rural households and businesses.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

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