The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has awarded 16 Rural Development Fund Grants designed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
In Ionia County, the Jones Farm Market in Saranac was awarded $100,000 for an expansion of the facility to increase processing capacity.
“What these grants demonstrate is the commitment of MDARD and the State of Michigan to help ignite impactful projects and efforts in rural communities,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “Through targeted investments and matching funds from businesses, local municipalities and others, we can provide opportunities for thousands of businesses and employees in every corner of the state.”
A wide range of efforts in rural communities were selected, among them funds to replace influent pumps at a wastewater treatment facility, fund an asparagus sorting machine, develop and implement a strategy for workforce loss mitigation, the creation of a trail head and the installation of video conferencing capabilities.in northeast Michigan.
The department received 66 proposals with requests totaling nearly $5.1 million. Of those, MDARD awarded 16 projects totaling $1,245,500, leveraging a match of more than $1.5 million. The grant funds, Public Act 411 of 2012, are aimed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries (food and agriculture; forestry; mining, oil and gas production; and tourism) and support workforce training, rural capacity building, business development and infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 60,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. Preference was given to projects in Marquette County. The proposals were evaluated through a competitive process.
For more information about the grant program or a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/
