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Rural Iowa communities are using $8 million in grants and loans to improve water systems.
The money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will be used to purchase firetrucks and upgrade water distribution systems throughout the state.
More than $7 million is directed to projects in Russell, Ricketts, Pisgah and Marshall County.
The city of Russell is receiving more than three-million to update old pipes while Pisgah was awarded nearly $2.5 million to improve its wells and ground storage sites.
Iowa's Rural Development Director says the funding helps rural and agricultural communities gain a more solid footing for the future.