BUCKINGHAM — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Virginia Rural Development office has announced a $30,000 grant for Buckingham County.

According to a USDA press release, the money will be used “to develop preliminary engineering and environmental reports to address public water and waste needs.”

“SEARCH grant funds will be used to develop preliminary engineering and environmental reports to address the extension of public sewer to the Sprouse’s Corner area.”

“We have been working on this for some time now and the preliminary engineering report is getting close to completion,” said County Administrator Rebecca S. Carter, noting the county’s goal of establishing sewer connections at the four corners at Sprouse’s Corner.

“Our planning grants fund what will be the foundation of, and a major catalyst for, providing residents with access and updates to essential services,” said Jim Maras, Virginia community programs director, USDA Rural Development.

Funding is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of their grant agreement.