U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today announced that Michigan leads the nation in water quality investments through the Water and Environmental Program.
“USDA Rural Development employees are leading by example, working hard to improve drinking water and protect the environment,” Turner said. “Michigan’s most precious resource is its water. These improvements help ensure that clean water and the irreplaceable beauty of the Great Lakes will be there for future generations to enjoy.”
Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2015 on Oct. 1, 2014, USDA Rural Development has obligated $51 million to support 19 projects in 16 communities across the state.
Gogebic Range Water Authority in Gogebic County received a $3,465,000 loan for the Bessemer water project. Total cost is $3,465,000 and the project will serve 3,604 residents.
The City of Hancock in Houghton County received a $1,992,000 loan and $1,808,000 grant for water system improvements. Total cost is $3,800,000 and the project will serve 3,652 residents.
Forsyth Township in Marquette County received a $1,900,000 loan for sewer pipe replacement. Total cost is $1,900,000 and the project will serve 1,560 residents.
Powell Township in Marquette County received a $1,071,000 grant in addition to $2.3 million in fiscal year 2012 for water system upgrades. Total cost is $3,400,000 and the project will serve 218 residents.
The City of Ishpeming in Marquette County received an $8,980,000 loan and $3,020,000 grant for water main and fire hydrant replacement. Total cost is $12,000,000 and the project will serve 6,470 residents.
The Village of Kalkaska in Kalkaska County received a $2,270,000 loan for water system upgrades. Total cost is $2,270,000 and the project will serve 1,359 residents.
Filer Township in Manistee County received a $1,500,000 grant in addition to $3.8 million in fiscal year 2012 for improved sewer collection and treatment. Total cost is $1,500,000 and the project will serve 95 customers.
The Village of Copemish in Manistee County received a $30,000 grant to explore the feasibility of constructing a sanitary sewer system.
The Village of Mesick in Wexford County received a $1,732,000 loan and $1,155,000 grant to improve its existing sewer system. Total cost is $2,887,000 and the project will serve 213 residents.
Standish Township in Arenac County received $1,379,000 in loans and $4,131,000 in grants for a new water and sewer system. Total cost is $5,510,000 and the project will serve 536 residents.
The Village of Breckenridge in Gratiot County received a $1,200,000 loan for water main improvements. Total cost is $1,200,000 and the project will serve 1,328 residents.
Albee Township in Saginaw County received a $1,468,000 loan and $819,000 to extend its water main. Total cost is $2,287,000 and the project will serve 374 residents.
St. Clair County received a $2,535,000 loan for the Forrest Manor storm sewer. Total cost is $2,535,000 and the project will serve 450 residents.
The Village of Pewamo in Ionia County received $1,700,000 in loans to upgrade the water system. Total cost is $1,700,000 and the project will serve 469 residents.
The City of Potterville in Eaton County received $7,140,000 in loans for Phase II water and sewer system improvements, which will be combined with a Community Facilities loan of $3,872,000 for street improvement. Total project cost is $11,012,000 and the projects will serve 1,738 residents.
The City of Durand in Shiawassee County received $2,290,000 in loans for water main and water system upgrades. Total overall cost is $9,690,000 and the project serves 3,933 residents.
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.