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City of Niagara Breaks Ground on Utility and Streetscape Improvement Project

Name
Kelly Edwards
City
Niagara
Release Date

Upgraded and reliable utilities will soon become a reality for the residents of Niagara, Wis. thanks to the City’s Utility and Streetscape Improvement Project.  

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director, Stan Gruszynski, joined State officials and local leaders today at a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the commencement of construction of the City’s Project.

“What we are celebrating today is a good example of a resilient community that is constantly striving for a better future,” said Gruszynski. “Through cooperation, leadership, and a sizable investment of federal dollars, Niagara is laying the base for new opportunities and a safer, healthier, environment for its citizens.”

Through this effort, the City of Niagara will improve services for the community. The project will reconstruct water and sewer utilities throughout the City that are in the need of repairs. It will address aged and deteriorated water and sewer mains, upgrade undersized mains, lift station upgrades, and replace the 99 year old hydrants in the community; providing improved fire protection to the area. The project is being done in coordination with a Department of Transportation (DOT) roadwork project along the Highway 141 corridor. The DOT project includes resurfacing and reconstruction in both rural and urban segments of the highway and coordinating the reconstruction of the bridge over the Menominee River that links Wisconsin to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This segment of Highway 141 is a major route in northeastern WI and plays a vital role in the local economy as it connects Green Bay, WI with Iron Mountain, MI and passes through the business districts of the communities it serves.

Support for the project has been provided through both State and Federal Agencies including, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), Department of Transportation (DOT), and USDA Rural Development.

The project received a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) from DOA. In addition, USDA Rural Development approved a $2.075 million loan and grant combination toward the project through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs.

The Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

During the past year, USDA Rural Development invested nearly $577 million throughout rural Wisconsin and helped a record number of residents receive funding for economic development projects and quality of life improvements. The agency’s investment in Wisconsin helped create or retain more than 1,560 jobs; aided 3,000 families in buying their own homes; and assisted more than 80 communities in improving community facilities and upgrading local infrastructure. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit USDA’s web site at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.