LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that it will be investing $635 million in 122 projects to improve water systems and wastewater handling services in rural communities in 42 states including Michigan.
The USDA will be funding the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.
“These investments will bring reliable infrastructure to rural communities. They will replace old, fragile, leaking water pipes with new ones and allow upgrades to water handling systems that are decades old, boosting water pressure and cutting water losses. Working with our partners, these investments create jobs and improve public health and safety,” Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
In Western Michigan, the following project will be funded by the grant:
- The Charter Township of Oshtemo, in Kalamazoo County, will use a $19,482,000 loan to extend the sewer collection system to other unserved areas of the township. After a complete buildout of this sewer collection system, there will be a total of 898 new residential and commercial customers. These customers currently have on-site septic systems many of which do not meet current standards. After expansion, there will be 1,827 residential and 688 commercial users served by this system.
“The value of these investments extends far beyond the local communities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Jason Allen. “Clean ground water and safe drinking water benefit everyone in Michigan.”
The full report can be read here.
