Seven rural communities across Michigan are set to get a combined $23 million to help them restore and repair their water and sewer systems from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The grants and loans are to go towards projects such as repairing septic systems, prevention of watermain breaks, meeting peak water demands, and any other individualized projects across their communities.
The City and Township of Standish are expected to use their combined $8 million to rehabilitate sewer mains and manholes, correct issues with the private septic system in the township, and reduce wastewater inflow into the ground around the mains.
"This program specifically is for communities working on water and sewer infrastructure," USDA's Michigan director Brandon Fewins told WCMU. "Which, if you really think about it, is essential to our communities. You have to have access to clean drinking water, we have to work on our sewers. So this is absolutely essential for these communities."
When it comes to the loans, Fewins said that they're all low interest and can stretch out up to 40 years to help lessen the impact the payments will make on the community.
Other communities selected include Ovid, Coleman, and Breckenridge.
