The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $462 million to modernize critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in rural towns and cities.
“Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Background:
USDA is funding 161 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. These investments will benefit 467,000 residents. The following are examples of projects being funded under today’s announcement.
“This represents a significant overhaul of Michigan’s water and sewer infrastructure,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Jason Allen. “The benefits of this investment go beyond the local communities and into our entire state’s groundwater and environment.”
The Village of Honor, in Benzie County, will use a $942,000 loan to construct new headworks facilities and a new submerged aeration system with distribution piping and blowers. The sewer system serves 425 residents.
Coloma Charter Township, in Berrien County, will use a $2.5 million loan to make improvements to their sewer collection system. This includes lining manholes, full pipe lining, and spot lining repair along with the replacement of six lift stations and the installation of a flow meter at a mobile home park. The sewer system serves 3,584 residents.
The City of Beaverton, in Gladwin County, will use an $999,000 loan and a $726,000 grant to make water and sewer system improvements. The water distribution main is aging and undersized. Approximately one-half mile of watermain, valves, fire hydrants and service leads will be replaced on Saginaw St. The sewer system is comprised of nine miles of sanitary sewer collection, four pump stations and a wastewater treatment plant. The sewer collection main has outlived its useful life and there are increased E. coli levels in Ross Lake. Approximately one-half mile of sanitary sewer main and manholes will be replaced. The project will be done in conjunction with a road paving project. The water and sewer systems serve 135 residents.
Beaverton will also receive a $41,000 loan and $125,000 grant for upgrades to three pump stations and new sewer force main. That system serves a total of 1,071 residents.
The Village of Cass City, in Tuscola County, will use a $1,237,000 loan to replace approximately two miles of watermain, which will be done in conjunction with a sanitary sewer replacement at four intersections and also a street paving project. The water system serves 319 residents.
Bessemer Township, in Gogebic County, will use a $2,798,000 loan and $4,562,000 grant to update their 1920s mining-era water and sewer system, which suffers from excessive water inflow and infiltration. The project will replace more than two miles of water and sewer mains and provide pump station upgrades. This project serves 277 residents.
The City of Houghton, in Houghton County, will use an $87,000 loan and $138,000 grant to continue to replace sewer main at prioritized locations in the city, which will alleviate infiltration and inflow of ground water. The sewer system serves 7,708 residents.
Hampton Charter Township, in Bay County, will use a $2,768,000 loan and $2,225,000 grant to rehabilitate 15 lift stations and approximately five miles of cure-in place sewer main and install emergency generators. This project will reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration thus reducing the amount of clean water being treated by the contracted wastewater treatment plant. The sewer system serves 5,431 residents.
Nottawa Township, in Isabella County, will use a $4,969,000 loan to construct a sewer collection system in the unincorporated area of Coldwater Lake. The residents around this lake have private septic systems that do not meet health department requirements. The sewage will be pumped to Mount Pleasant for treatment. The sewer collection system will serve 864 residents.
The Charter Township of Oshtemo, in Kalamazoo County, will use an $864,000 loan to continue expansion of the sewer collection system. The project will add 4.5 miles of sewer collection main, one lift station and road restoration. The expanded sewer collection system will serve 4,040 residents.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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