Degognia Fountain Bluff Levee District will soon install four levee relief wells thanks to a $300,000 zero-percent interest loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program, facilitated by Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association (EECA). The new wells will help relieve underground water pressure beneath the levee system, preventing structural damage and helping the levee function as intended.
“Projects like this are a great example of how partnerships can help strengthen rural infrastructure and protect our communities,” said EECA General Manager Shane Hermetz. “We’re grateful to help connect local organizations with resources that support long-term reliability, safety, and economic stability in the areas we serve.”
The Degognia-Fountain Bluff Levee & Drainage District is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the levee system from Cora City to Fountain Bluff on the Mississippi River and Oakwood Bottoms to Grimsby on the Big Muddy River.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. Funding for these projects is made available through the REDLG program, which supports rural businesses and community development initiatives. For more information about this program, visit our website.
The EECA Board of Directors approved the loan application on March 31, 2026, and the funds were distributed to the Degognia Fountain Bluff Levee District on May 20, 2026.