HOUGHTON, BARAGA COMMUNITIES RECEIVE POLICE, FIRE AND WATER FUNDS FROM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

EAST LANSING, Oct. 29, 2009 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Director for Michigan James Turner today presented ceremonial checks totaling $10,673,000 to Houghton, Franklin Township, Calumet, Laurium, Baraga, Baraga Township, L’Anse, Richmond Township and Bay Ambulance.

“I am pleased to continue USDA Rural Development’s excellent relationship with Upper Peninsula communities,” said Turner.  “These improvements will enhance public safety and provide for better environmental quality.”

The City of Houghton received a $2,304,000 loan for its sewer system, which will be combined with $250,000 from a Community Development Block Grant and $1,203,000 from the Michigan Department of Transportation.  The money will replace existing sanitary sewer mains and manholes under Shelden Avenue, many of which are failing.  The city is also receiving a $1,139,000 loan from Rural Development to improve water mains and city-owned service lines downtown.  An additional $250,000 from CDBG and $372,000 from MDOT are supporting this project.

Franklin Township received a $652,000 loan and $2,031,000 grant to install 21,680 feet of eight-inch gravity collection sewer, 3,350 feet of forcemain, 95 manholes and three lift stations to provide a wastewater collection system for the communities of Franklin Mine, Coburntown and Lower Pewabic.  The system will purchase treatment from the Portage Lake Water & Sewer Authority. 

The Village of Laurium received a $13,000 grant and the Village of Calumet received a $20,000 grant, both for the purchase of police vehicles.

Baraga Township received a $153,000 loan and $40,000 grant for a pumper fire truck.

The Village of Baraga received a $19,000 grant and the Village of L’Anse received a $13,000 grant, both for police vehicles and equipment.

Bay Ambulance in Baraga received a $14,000 grant for three power lift cots to outfit the non-profit’s ambulances.

Richmond Township received a $1,376,000 loan and $458,000 grant to replaced 8,600 feet of old tile gravity sewer line and 216 service laterals.  Approximately 1,800 feet of storm drain will be added to allow storm water runoff to flow separately from the sanitary system and avoid the treatment facility and manhole covers will be repaired or replaced.  In addition, the township will receive a $1,692,000 loan and $749,000 grant to replace 11,550 feet of the water distribution system, including valves and hydrants.  Other improvements include individual water meters and a booster/high service pump station. 

The events are part of a series of ceremonies commemorating $12.5 million in grants and loans this month for communities across the Upper Peninsula.  This past year, Rural Development invested a record-setting $1 billion in Michigan’s rural communities.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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