U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced today that USDA is investing $102 million to expand access to housing and water infrastructure for underserved rural people who live and work in 47 states and American Samoa. The 263 projects in which USDA is investing will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in rural America.
The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve.
“USDA invests in rural America because we know a strong community is rooted in its people,” Torres Small said. “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA can help invest in opportunity and prosperity for all people, regardless of background or financial status, who make up the character and personality of our great country’s rural lands.”
Michigan has seven projects totaling $1.2 million in grants.
“This funding will support needed repairs for low income families in rural Michigan and also provide new educational opportunities through our tribal community colleges,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Brandon Fewins. “As 2022 draws to a close, we are looking forward to building even more partnerships in the coming year.”
There are five Housing Preservation Grants:
Alpena County will use a $137,220 grant to repair or improve 13 homes. Alpena County is contributing $153,000 of their own funds to the project.
Arenac County will use a $87,200 grant to improve or repair 15 homes. Arenac County is contributing $50,000 to the project.
The City of Coldwater, in Branch County, will use a $110,000 grant to improve or repair 14 homes. The City of Coldwater is contributing $5,100 of their own funds to the project.
Ogemaw County will use an $87,200 grant to help fund repairs to 15 homes. Ogemaw County is contributing $88,500 of their own funds to the project.
Oscoda County will use an $87,200 grant to improve or repair 15 homes. Oscoda County is contributing $100,000 of their own funds to the project.
Bay Mills Community College will use a $348,017 Tribal College Initiative Grant to: establish a media lab with digital content creation capability, upgrade existing equipment and supplies in the Science and Health Sciences Department, update equipment for the Health and Fitness Center, purchase a 15-passenger van to transport students on visits to possible transfer institutions, provide supplies for community education and facility maintenance at the Waishkey Bay Farm, obtain and upgrade IT equipment for a recently approved bachelor degree program, purchase mowing equipment and snow removal equipment, and provide supplies for the construction trade program.
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe will use a $344,895 Tribal College Initiative Grant to make infrastructure improvements to the outdoor amphitheater classroom. This facility will be located at the new campus expansion off Leaton Road.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of 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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