U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins have announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program has awarded a $1 million loan and a $400,000 grant to the Wiscasset Water District for pipe replacements in Wiscasset.

"These funds will assist Wiscasset take the necessary step to update and improve its water and waste disposal services," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "Rural communities across Maine are struggling to replace aging water systems, and we are pleased that the USDA has stepped in to help Wiscasset enhance the efficiency and quality of these vital public services."

The USDA Rural Development funding will be used to replace approximately 6,600 linear feet of six and eight inch diameter cast iron pipe on Churchill, Lee, Bradbury, and Middle Street, and portions of the Gardiner Road and Bath Road with 12-inch ductile pipe iron. The new piping will enhance water quality and distribution reliability and hydraulics.