DARLINGTON, Ind. – The wastewater plant outside Darlington, Ind. grinds through another day of operation, the equipment malfunctioning and chemical levels out of standard. The 30-year old plant has been operating with minimal maintenance for years, but a loan from the National Rural Water Association’s Revolving Loan Fund is speeding help to town’s neglected wastewater system.
                “So many things are in dire need of repair,” explained Judy Anderson, Darlington Clerk-Treasure. “We weren’t aware of many of the problems.”
                The town’s wastewater system is nearly 30 years-old and has suffered from neglect. Darlington tried to keep the system running by paying the wastewater superintendent from a larger, near-by town for extra assistance.
                “We’re not wastewater experts,” Anderson said. “It’s hard to pay for people with that kind of knowledge.”
                Darlington boasts a population of around 850.
                When it became clear major repairs and upgrades were needed, the town started seeking grants and loans to begin repairs. Darlington applied for a $500,000 State Development Block Grant three times and requested a similar-sized loan from their state loan fund.
                “We’ve tried to get a grant for I don’t know how long,” Anderson said. “This is our third try for the state development grant, and we think we’ll get it this time.”
                Unfortunately, Darlington won’t learn if they’ve received the money until late November, with several projects forced to wait until spring to begin.
                “We needed to get going,” Anderson said.
                The town learned of the NRWA loan program from the superintendent helping with their system. Darlington leaders saw the program as a chance to make some of the needed repairs while they waited on larger grants.
                “It was very simple, very quick” Anderson said. “They were very easy to work with.”
                The town received as $100,000 loan and immediately began repairs to the wastewater plant.
                “We’re already making repairs and everything appears to be running smoother,” Anderson explained.
                The loan is only a small part of the work needed on the plant, but the Darlington leadership considers it a tremendous benefit to the health of the town.
                “There was an enormous need to get something done now,” Anderson said. “It’s hard to put into words all the things needed.”
                “It’s nice that are things like this program for small towns.”

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