NEWS
RELEASE
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
WESTERN U.P. COMMUNITIES RECEIVE MORE THAN $11 MILLION FROM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
LANSING, May 31, 2007 USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett today presented $11,245,250 to communities in Iron and Menominee counties.
Whether enhancing public safety through new emergency equipment or building improved water and waste systems, USDA Rural Development is committed to helping rural Michigan residents, DeRossett said. Our agency has invested more than $14 million this year to improve the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula.
The City of Crystal Falls received a $4,224,000 loan to replace water mains, improve connections and build a connection to the Township of Crystal Falls. The township also obtained a $3,589,000 loan and a $2,270,000 grant to repair and upgrade its water system (including a refurbishment of the elevated water tank), which will then provide water service to the city.
The Powers-Spalding Water Authority received a $450,000 loan and a $629,250 grant to replace the water distribution system and build a new elevated water tank for the Village of Powers. The project will serve 165 rural homes and businesses.
Cedarville Township received a $56,000 loan and $27,000 grant for the purchase of a new tanker fire truck to replace an outdated and unsafe vehicle.
The events are part of a series of ceremonies this week commemorating more than $12.9 million in grants and loans for communities across the Upper Peninsula.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
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