(KLZA)-- USDA Rural Development funds totaling more than $1.5-million have been awarded for Southeast Nebraska projects.

Accoriding to a USDA news release, among the organizations receiving funding is Johnson County Rural Water District #1.  $1,123,000 from USDA will be used to replace water mains, install new lines, repaint the standpipe and to replace a well pump. 

The loan is for 40 years with an interest rate of 3.375 percent.

The Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebraska has been awarded $2,000 leveraged with nearly $3,800 from the Historical Society to connect the house to the Richardson County Rural Water District for potable water.

In addition, the Historical Society received $5,100 from USDA leveraged with more than $9,500 from the Historical Society to renovate the original barn on the Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebraska site in Dawson.