News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.7FM Alpena and WCML-TV Channel 6 Alpena are off the air. Click here to learn more.

USDA funds water and wastewater infrastructure three Mid-Michigan communities

the autowitch|https://flic.kr/p/nTTX
/
Flickr

Three Mid-Michigan communities are receiving federal loans to fund infrastructure upgrades. Officials said the money will help fund upgraded water and sewage projects. 

 

The United States Department of Agriculture is investing more than $13 million into rural Michigan communities as part of a nationwide effort to improve rural prosperity. 

 

Officials said improvements in the infrastructure will improve water quality, and bring jobs and economic opportunities to rural communities. 

 

USDA Rural Development State Director, Jason Allen said updated infrastructure is key to helping rural communities grow.

 

“As you look at the need for processing capacity, as you look at the need for attraction of talent, if you look at the need for small businesses. Each one of those have to have basic sewer and water.”

 

Three communities in Mid-Michigan are receiving funding:

 

The City of Flushing, in Genesee County is receiving a $3.25 million loan to improve the sewer treatment plant. 

 

The City of Clare, in Clare County is receiving a  $1.479 million loan to upgrade their water system.

 

Beal City, in Isabella County is receiving more than a million in a loan and a grant worth $2,444,000 to fund a municipal sewage system.