U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today joined local volunteers to repair the home of Susan Cullen in Big Rapids.
“Today’s event is an example of how we are working with local governments, businesses and non-profits to improve housing and the quality of life for rural Michigan residents,” said Turner. “I thank our partners and look forward to working with them in the future.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $7,500 grant through the Section 504 Single Family Housing Repair Program to finance window, door and furnace replacement.Today’s event focused on yard cleanup, constructing new steps and railings to improve safety and accessibility, which were separate from the USDA grant.
Participants in the event included the Big Rapids Housing Commission, which provided building materials, Frank Cole Builders of Cedar Springs, which provided labor and construction oversight, the City of Big Rapids which removed debris, and Great Lakes Landscape Supply of Cedar Springs, which donated shrubs for landscaping.
USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Under the Obama Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $6.5 billion in Michigan projects.