(KNZA )--Three local northeast Kansas communities have been awarded funding through USDA Rural Development for water infrastructure improvements.

According to a news release, Highland, Nortonville and Vermillion are among 13 Kansas communities awarded funding from the agency.

The city of Highland has been awarded a nearly $1.3 million loan and $34,000 grant to start repairing the city's water distribution system, and construct a new Ion exchange treatment plant.

The city of Nortonville has been awarded a more than $770,000 loan for the second phase of the rehabilitation of the existing water system. The proposed project will replace an abandoned well, replace the remaining 1.5 mile portion of cast iron waterline and construct two new wells. It will also include 185 new meters, 90 meter settings, 14 valves and 9 fire hydrants.

The city of Vermillion has been awarded a more than $1.2 million grant and $272,000 loan for the first phase of the rehabilitation of the existing water system. It will include the construction of a new water well, standpipe and distribution system.