U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced $5.4 million in loans and grants to upgrade water and sewer systems in three rural Michigan communities.
“Once again, USDA is able to show how many and different communities we can help with infrastructure improvements,” said Fewins. “From Lake Superior to the Ohio border, we are working hard to protect the environment and provide clean drinking water to Michigan residents.”
Funding in this announcement consists of $3,824,000 in loans and a $1,620,000 grant for a total of $5,444,000.
The Village of Thompsonville, in Benzie County, will use a $244,000 loan to complete water system improvements. These include replacing two wells to increase the quality and reliability of the water sources and 4,850 linear feet of distribution lines throughout the system. This project will add four new users, increase capacity to better meet the needs of the community, and bring the system into compliance with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.
The City of Reading, in Hillsdale County, will use a $2.2 million loan to replace undersized watermains and valves. It will also install new service lines for a safer, uninterrupted water supply and efficient fire protection. The repairs will extend into two connecting townships and increase system resiliency to the impact of climate change. By using multiple funding sources, the project will completely renovate streets, sidewalks and curbs to improve pedestrian safety and emergency vehicle access.
Republic Township, in Marquette County, will use a $1,380,000 loan and $1,620,000 grant to expand the internal capacity of the water treatment system to adjust to winter conditions (higher usage demands to avoid freezing lines) and water treatment standards. The project will replace hydrants, undersized watermains, and valves. The new service lines will allow a safer, uninterrupted water supply, efficient fire protection and increased water treatment capacity.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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