U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s first-year accomplishments in helping rural Michigan.
“Despite the challenge of COVID-19, USDA Rural Development in Michigan has continued to assist our communities by improving infrastructure, increasing access to housing and supporting small businesses,” Fewins said. “There is much to be done, and we are looking forward to building on this success in 2022.”
USDA Rural Development invested more than $945 million in Michigan during Fiscal Year 2021, helping more than 6,600 families, communities and businesses.
The projects will help create better market opportunities for rural businesses, their suppliers and their customers; combat climate change and increase resiliency throughout rural America; and ensure that rural residents and businesses have equitable access to housing, health care, economic development and other essential services.
- The Single Family Housing Program helped 4,671 families achieve the American Dream of homeownership, with a total investment of $636 million.
- The Multi Family Housing Program supported residents at 1,775 facilities across the state, investing $53 million in safe, affordable housing.
- The Community Facilites Program supported 73 projects to provide buildings, vehicles and other crucial support to rural communities for a total investment of $53 million.
- The Water and Environmental Program invested $105 million in 40 projects to improve access to clean water and protect the environment in rural areas.
- Michigan had two Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants totaling $1.3 million to bring medical treatment and educational opportunities to rural communities.
- USDA Rural Development also provided assistance to 76 rural businesses, investing $62 million in energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, guaranteed loans and grants.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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