WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $6.3 billion in rural and Tribal communities across 44 states to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs. Michigan has two projects.
“The Biden-Harris Administration invests in rural America, because we know strong communities are rooted in their people,” Secretary Vilsack said. “These investments will build modern infrastructure that will attract employers to the nation’s smallest towns and most remote communities, creating jobs, vibrant Main Streets, and lasting economic growth for the people who live there.”
Michigan’s projects feature $6,540,000 in loans and a $1,719,000 grant for total funding of $8,259,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program
The Village of Kent City, in Kent County, will use a $2,101,000 loan and a $1,719,000 grant to complete needed upgrades to a sewage lift station and the wastewater treatment plant. Upgrades were recommended by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to maintain the system. The project will directly impact 837 residents in the community.
The City of Kingsford, in Dickinson County, will use a $4,439,000 loan to replace drinking water distribution mains and associated valves and hydrants that were originally installed in the 1920’s. This 100-year-old system has been experiencing increased breakages as it has exceeded its useful lifespan. Investment from the State Revolving Fund (as provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and American Rescue Plan) make up 67 percent of this total project and include the replacement of lead service lines to residences.
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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