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USDA Invests $240,000 to Improve Infrastructure for Northern Michigan Communities

Name
Alec Lloyd
Phone
City
East Lansing
Release Date

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced infrastructure investments in seven northern Michigan communities. 

“These infrastructure investments will benefit northern Michigan communities in a variety of ways,” said Fewins.  “This showcases how USDA is helping provide improved fire protection, strengthening public safety and preserving our historical heritage.”

The total investment in Michigan is $240,000:

  • The Evart Area Joint Fire Department, in Osceola County, will use a $100,000 grant to purchase upgraded equipment for firefighter protection. This includes bunker coats, bunker pants, helmets, gloves, Nomex hoods and firefighting boots as well as modern extraction equipment. 
     
  • The City of Reed City, in Osceola County, will use a $3,000 grant to purchase body cameras for their police department. The police department has only three working body cameras for five officers. The body cameras will help provide transparency and accountability for local law enforcement.
     
  • Osceola County will use a $35,000 grant to purchase a law enforcement vehicle.  The vehicle will replace an older one with high mileage.
     
  • The City of Tawas City, in Iosco County, will use a $27,900 grant to purchase a new police vehicle.  This will replace an older vehicle that is no longer mechanically reliable.
     
  • The City of East Jordan, in Charlevoix County, will use a $30,000 grant to purchase a patrol vehicle and related emergency lighting, prisoner containment system and on-board computer. The patrol vehicle will replace an older one that is having maintenance and reliability issues.
     
  • The Charlevoix Historical Society, in Charlevoix County, will use a $7,000 grant to install air conditioning at the museum, which is housed in the historical Harsha House.  The air conditioning is part of the renovations of the 2nd floor of the facility to create office, storage, and curator workspace. 
     
  • The City of Gaylord, in Otsego County, will use a $42,000 grant to purchase a patrol vehicle. The vehicle will replace an older, high mileage one with reliability and costly maintenance. The grant will cover the purchase of the vehicle and related safety equipment.

Background:

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.

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. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

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, ensuring access to 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.