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
GOGEBIC, DICKINSON COUNTIES RECEIVE MORE THAN $500,000 FROM USDA
EAST LANSING, Aug. 15, 2007 – USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett presented ceremonial checks totaling more than $500,000 to improve public safety in the western Upper Peninsula and improve housing in Dickinson County.
“USDA Rural Development provides a wide array of support for Michigan’s rural communities,” DeRossett said. “From weather alerts to improved housing, these are long-term investments in the Upper Peninsula’s future.”
The transmitter will extend the coverage of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards early warning system. The grant will pay for a 300-watt dual transmitter antenna, shelter, backup generator, and ice bridge in Marenisco.
Dickinson-Iron Non-Profit Housing Corporation received a $432,974 loan to construct a new community building/office/laundry area and to rehabilitate 32 units of multi-family housing. The improvements include new windows, doors, air conditioning, floor coverings and barrier-free access.
The event is part of a series of ceremonies commemorating more than $2 million in grants and loans this month for communities across the Upper Peninsula. So far this year, Upper Peninsula communities have received more than $16 million in grants and loans from USDA Rural Development.
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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