Marcus, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Help has arrived in the city of Marcus to overhaul the water system. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is granting a significant investment of $14.8 million to address identified health and sanitation issues within the current system. The funding consists of $1.5 million grant, and a $13.3 milion loan and is part of a broader effort to ensure rural Iowa communities have access to clean, reliable drinking water.

Key improvements in Marcus include construction of two additional wells to ensure a stable water supply to the community, and building a new water treatment plant to modernize local processing.

USDA Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton says supporting rural Iowa communities is integral to the economic foundation of the state and the nation.

The money is administered through the Rural Developments Water and Wastewater Disposal Loans and Grants program, and is intended to safeguard the health of residents and visitors to Marcus and ensure the community’s infrastructure can support future growht.