USDA Rural Development Awards Emergency Water Assistance Funds to Monroe City

(Monroe, Utah, April 27, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Utah State Director Stan Summers today announced the agency is awarding $1 million to help Monroe City address critical water needs.

"While it's easy to see the immediate effects of drought and wildfire, it's absolutely essential that we not overlook the long-term effects these conditions have on community water supply," said Summers. "This investment, made possible with the support of President Trump, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and local and state officials, will help the people of Monroe gain confidence and security that when they turn on their tap, they'll access reliable, safe water."

"This grant from USDA to Monroe City to help with the rebuild of their water system is a real Godsend," said Utah State Representative Carl Albrecht, "During the summer of 2024 the Monroe Canyon Fire decimated their water system in the canyon, and burned 72,000 acres. I have worked closely with Mayor Parsons and assured him the city would be taken care of. I want to thank Stan Summers and all those who helped with this grant at USDA. As the state representative I thank you all."

"We are deeply grateful to the USDA RD for this critical funding," said Monroe Mayor Johnny Parsons. "The Monroe Canyon Wildfire did not just damage our mountain, it left our drinking water system and source vulnerable. This grant will allow us to develop a new well, safeguard our water system, and help our city provide safe clean drinking water to our residents."

Monroe City is receiving the funds to drill a new well and build supporting infrastructure as an additional water source for residents. The city's water sources have been depleted due to years of extreme drought conditions and last summer's major Monroe Canyon Fire which burned more than 70,000 acres and impacted water quality. Additional funding for this project comes from the Utah Permanent Community Impact Fund Board (CIB) and Monroe City.

This investment is made through USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Programs, which offer technical assistance and financing to help rural communities develop and improve drinking water and waste disposal systems.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making RD's investment data accessible to the public. Learn more online at rd.usda.gov .

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