(Stevens Point, Wis., Aug. 10, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson announced today that the agency is making a $2.518 million loan available to the city of Viroqua. The investment will help the city install new solid waste infrastructure at the city’s closed landfill to prevent harmful gases from leaking.

“President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recognize the importance of investing in infrastructure, which will help maintain affordable utility rates for taxpayers while providing important sanitary services for rural communities,” said Iverson. “This USDA investment will support the needs of the city of Viroqua in providing safe, reliable solid waste infrastructure and sanitary conditions that every Wisconsinite deserves.” 

The city will install a landfill gas extraction system designed to more effectively capture and control subsurface gas. Currently, the city has a passive gas extraction system at the landfill that is no longer operational. Recent monitoring indicates that the current system is no longer adequately preventing landfill gas migration, making this upgrade necessary to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. The new gas extraction system will meet the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requirements and consists of 43 to 64 gas extraction wells and transmission piping, blower system to draw gas out of the wells and flare skid units to eliminate the gas.

Funding for this project is through Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. The program helps rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Applications for the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program are accepted year-round. Additional information about the program is available online.

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 investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov/wi, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_Wisconsin.