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
EARTH DAY: WEST BRANCH RECEIVES MORE THAN $16 MILLION FROM USDA FOR SEWER PROJECT
EAST LANSING, April 22, 2009 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Acting State Director for Michigan Frank Tuma today presented a $16,820,000 ceremonial loan and grant check to the West Branch Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Authority for sewer improvements.
“USDA Rural Development is proud to observe Earth Day by helping to protect ground water,” said Tuma. “This project will help keep northern Michigan’s lakes and rivers clean for future generations to enjoy.”
The money consists of a $15,320,000 loan and $1,500,000 grant and will be used to upgrade or repair every element of the existing collection system and wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant is approximately 30 years old and portions of the collection system are between 50 and 100 years old. The project will serve approximately 1,000 customers.
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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