COLES &045;&045; A little more than $1 million in funding from the USDA Rural Development Association has been approved for the Coles Community Water Association, according to a press release issued Tuesday by U.S. Rep Chip Pickering, R-3rd District.

The federal funds include a grant of $746,100 and a loan of $271,900. The loan is financed over 40 years at 4.5 percent interest.

&uot;Improving rural water service is crucial to Mississippi’s continued economic development and quality of life,&uot; Pickering said.

The money will be used to construct a new well, treatment plant and elevated tank for the CCWA, which serves water customers in Amite and Wilkinson counties.

&uot;This funding will enable Coles Water Association to provide better service to its customers, and will increase capacity for additional users,&uot; Pickering said.

Officials plan to add 10 new rural users and make water distribution improvements that will improve efficiency.