USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Monday, announced loans and grants for 141 projects to build and improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities across the nation.

Eight of the projects totaling more than $4.7 million in USDA funding are serving rural Iowans. Among the recipients is the Southwest Regional Water District, which receives a $147,000 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant. USDA officials say the grant will fund installation of 650 feet of water pipe across the Nodaway River near Clarinda.

Funding of each award announced Monday is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of the grant and loan agreements.