NORFOLK -- The federal government will assist the town with a $1,194,000 project that will bring municipal water to 55 homes not currently hooked into the system, according to senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

They will get a $694,000 loan the senators say is low-interest and a $500,000 grant.

The cash comes from the USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Grant Program.

“We’re very happy to receive this funding to extend water service to many homes in our community,” Town Supervisor Charles Pernice said. “This funding is crucial to bring clean, reliable water to Norfolk residents that were previously not part of the town’s water district. I sincerely appreciate Senator Schumer’s support in this effort.”

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Program provides loans and grants “to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas,” Schumer said.

“This funding is a critical investment in the Town of Norfolk’s infrastructure,” Gillibrand said in a prepared statement. “Upgrading our water infrastructure would help boost economic development and protect public health by delivering cleaner water to families and businesses in the community. When these necessary upgrades are funded through USDA, it helps ensure that local taxpayers aren’t left to foot the bill alone.”

“This much-needed funding and low-interest loan will allow the Town of Norfolk to make wise infrastructure investments to its water district, which will enhance public health, access to clean drinking water and economic development,” Schumer said in the release. “This is great news and will now enable the town to make these crucial upgrades without passing the entire financial burden onto local taxpayers.”