U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced a $10.8 million investment in rural northern Michigan infrastructure.
“This is great news not just for the people in the affected communities, but everyone who values our precious water resources,” said Fewins. “USDA Rural Development has the tools to help communities revitalize existing infrastructure or increase its capacity and we are always looking to build new partnerships.”
A total of $8,858,000 in loans and $1,994,000 in grants are included in today’s announcement, which focuses on three communities in Cheboygan and Benzie counties.
The City of Cheboygan will use a $7,294,000 loan to make water system improvements. The project will replace outdated and undersized water mains as identified in the city's 2018 Asset Management Plan.
The Village of Elberta, in Benzie County, will use a $1,406,000 loan and a $1,994,000 grant to make improvements to their water system. This project will abandon two wells (with well houses) and replace one of them in a different location that meets current regulatory requirements.
The Village of Honor, also in Benzie County, will use a $158,000 loan to complete wastewater treatment system improvements. The project will construct a new headworks facility and provide submerged aeration capabilities to support efficient and effective wastewater treatment.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and 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.