The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $6.3 billion initiative to improve infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities across 44 states. Michigan will receive $8.2 million as part of this initiative to enhance rural infrastructure, with the funding aimed at updating the electric grid, ensuring safe drinking water, and supporting economic development in these areas.
The specifics of Michigan's share include a blend of loans and grants totaling $8,259,000 through the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program. According to the USDA news release, The Village of Kent City is looking at a dual infusion of a $2,101,000 loan and a $1,719,000 grant to update a critical sewage lift station and wastewater treatment plant, the necessity of which was underlined by Michigan’s own Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. With 837 residents poised to benefit, the enhancements are a nod to public health and environmental responsibility.
To the north, the City of Kingsford in Dickinson County is preparing to update its aging drinking water system with a $4,439,000 loan. Originally installed in the 1920s, the system has experienced frequent failures, emphasizing the need for replacement. Sixty-seven percent of the funding comes from the State Revolving Fund, which is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the American Rescue Plan. The project will also include the replacement of lead pipes to improve water quality and public health.
Rural communities play an important role in the country’s overall structure and identity. The USDA, through its efforts, seeks to support and improve these areas, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents while contributing to the development of more sustainable rural landscapes. "The Biden-Harris Administration invests in rural America, because we know strong communities are rooted in their people," Secretary Tom Vilsack stated in the USDA news release. These efforts, which focus on strengthening local food systems, promoting climate-smart practices, and supporting departmental equity, represent significant investments in rural America’s future. They aim to support the development and sustainability of rural communities across the country.
