The USDA is accepting grant applications for infrastructure development projects in rural communities..
Last week the USDA Secretary of Rural Development announced an investment of 3.6 million dollars in water and waste infrastructure projects in counties including Clare, Sanilac, and Muskegon.
Jason Allen is the Director of Rural Development for the USDA in Michigan. He said there is still a significant amount of money left to be claimed.
“These types of infrastructure programs help communities chart their future. One of the areas that we are seeing significant activity in is basic infrastructure: sewer, water, storm sewer separations.”
Allen said the 2018 omnibus budget for the water and waste infrastructure program was increased by roughly 3 billion dollars.
He said there is a formula for who will receive grants.
“Things like income levels, things like needs, it is involving water quality. Coastal communities and inland communities in Michigan can benefit from this.”
Allen said through October, communities with a population of 10 thousand or less are eligible for water and waste disposal grants through October.