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United States Department
of Agriculture • Rural Development
3001 Coolidge Rd. • 2nd Floor North • Suite 200 • East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 324-5204 • Fax: (517) 324-5225 •
alec.lloyd@mi.usda.gov
Contact: Alec Lloyd
(517) 324-5204
USDA Commemorates Ribbon Cuttings in West Branch, Standish
EAST LANSING, April 19, 2012 – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today attended ribbon cuttings in West Branch and Standish to highlight the role of the agency in supporting rural communities and promoting economic development.
“Almost three years from the day we broke ground on Earth Day 2009, it is a pleasure to celebrate the completion of this project,” said Turner. “West Branch will have cleaner groundwater and Standish residents will enjoy enhanced public safety thanks to our partnership with these communities.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $12,520,000 loan and a $1,500,000 grant to make significant improvements to the West Branch Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Authority’s system. The sewage treatment plant itself received significant repairs and upgrades to every major component. In addition, the project rehabilitated 39,000 feet of sewer lines and separated the system from downspouts, sump pumps and storm water runoff.
The Standish Area Fire Authority received a $285,000 Community Facility loan and a $200,000 grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to construct a 7,200 sq. ft fire barn. The authority serves 1,581 rural residents.
USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $165 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov for additional information about the agency’s programs or to locate the USDA Rural Development office nearest you.
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