Michigan Strategic Fund approves water infrastructure projects

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Courtesy state of Michigan

Middleville is one of 11 communities that will be able to make water-related infrastructure improvements, thanks to a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on Tuesday, Sept. 28, said the Michigan Strategic Fund of the MEDC approved projects that include support for Ford’s continued investment in electric vehicles in Michigan, a biopharmaceutical facility in Ann Arbor creating 160 jobs, and nearly $15 million in grants to 11 communities around the state to support infrastructure improvements, including in Middleville.

“We are focused on growing Michigan’s economy by creating good jobs for our residents, building on our state’s automotive manufacturing strengths, supporting vibrant communities, and continuing to promote Michigan as a premiere place to live, work, visit and play,” Whitmer said. “Today’s MSF projects and initiatives create hundreds of jobs, fix critical water infrastructure, and expand on our leadership in the future of mobility and electric vehicles. Together, we can build back our economy stronger than ever before.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved $14.9 million in community development block grant (CDBG) water-related infrastructure grants to accelerate economic development and assist low- and moderate-income communities in making improvements or upgrades to their existing water, sewer and wastewater public infrastructure systems. Communities will use the grants to improve or replace water lines, water mains and related facilities, and sanitary and storm sewer lines and related facilities.

The communities receiving grants are Bangor, Escanaba, Fowlerville, Hart, Hartford, Houghton, Middleville, Morenci, Rogers City, Shelby and West Branch.

In addition, MSF approved up to $550,000 in CDBG funds to provide administrative services to assist the communities with the compliance and administrative requirements of the awards.