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USDA Celebrates Earth Day with Projects in Wexford, Arenac Counties, Grant for MSU

Name
Alec Lloyd
City
East Lansing
Release Date

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today celebrated Earth Day by announcing support for projects to improve rural water and wastewater services, promote renewable energy, and promote the efficient use of energy resources.

“I am proud to announce that USDA is providing more than $112 million in loans and grants to help rural communities build and upgrade their water and energy infrastructure systems,” said Vilsack. “Not only do projects such as these help ensure communities have access to clean water and affordable energy, they also create jobs and boost the economy.”

Michigan’s projects are the Village of Mesick in Wexford County and Standish Township in Arenac County. Both are funded through Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program (WEP). USDA is funding 37 water and wastewater projects and 25 renewable energy projects across the nation totaling more than $112 million.  View the list of recipients.  Funding for each project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant, or loan/grant agreement.

Mesick received a $1,732,000 loan and $1,155,000 grant to improve its existing sewer system.  The project will upgrade the pump station, lagoon and irrigation pumping system as well as add sewer lines and two new pump stations.  The upgraded system will serve 87 residential and 48 commercial customers.

Standish Township received $1,379,000 in loans and 4,131,000 in grants for a new water and sewer system in the Whites Beach area located on Saginaw Bay.  Recent surface water sampling has indicated fecal coliform contamination and more than 80 percent of existing septic systems are non-compliant or have failed.

The new sewer system will protect both ground water and Lake Huron and includes 3.5 miles of pressure sewer and grinder pumps.  It will connect to the existing Saganing sewer treatment plant owned by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.  The project will serve 216 residential customers.

Michigan State University’s Farm Energy Audit Program received a $100,000 Renewable Energy for America Grant to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses by conducting 44 energy audits.

“Earth Day reminds us to safeguard our environment for future generations,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner.  “These projects will protect our drinking water and the priceless natural resources of the Great Lakes.”

President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.