Smaller communities across the state have been awarded roughly 23 million dollars for infrastructure improvements.
The money comes from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and will be spread across 14 communities.
Sarah Rainero is with the MEDC. She said the money is intended to support low and middle income communities.
“This money is federally funded. And so communities were awarded based on the size quite frankly. These monies are dedicated towards smaller communities under a population of 50,000.”
Rainero said the funding went to a variety of projects.
“Activities that were eligible for funding really included upgrades and replacement to many kinds of infrastructure. We did water and sewer, we did wastewater treatment systems, we looked at streetscapes. This was an array of funding needs.”
Communities that received funding include Grayling, Harrison, and Lapeer.
As part of the grant program, the projects must be completed by December 31, 2019.