WESTERN U.P. COMMUNITIES RECEIVE POLICE, SEWER FUNDS FROM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 EAST LANSING, Oct. 28, 2009 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Director for Michigan James Turner today presented ceremonial checks totaling $1,557,000 to Meyer Township, Iron Mountain, Norway, Alpha and Dickinson and Iron counties.

“These are investments in public safety and the environment,” said Turner.  “USDA Rural Development is proud to help improve the quality of life in the Western U.P.”

Meyer Township received a $300,000 loan to improve the wastewater collection system and to correct deficiencies in two of its sanitary pump stations.  The system serves 202 rural customers.

Dickinson County received two $9,000 grants to help purchase a pair of patrol vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.

The City of Iron Mountain received an $11,000 grant for a police patrol car and a thermal imaging camera for the fire department.

The City of Norway also received a $13,000 grant for a police car.

The Village of Alpha received a $405,000 loan and $799,000 grant to replace approximately 7,700 feet of sanitary sewer including manhole structures and service lines.  One lift station will be completely replaced, the bottom of the lagoon seepage cell will be repaired, and control valves and flow metering equipment will be replaced.  The system serves 129 rural customers.

Iron County received an $11,000 grant for an animal control vehicle.

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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