Press Releases

Today, the USDA announced a $3.6 million investment in the Upper Peninsula cities of Munising and Manistique. This funding is provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, which Rep. Bergman has advocated and achieved funding for - to help rebuild Michigan's water infrastructure systems in critical need of repair. This investment builds on the FY 20 USDA water investments of $4.6 million in Houghton, Benzonia, Manistee, and Manistique, plus an additional $8.5 million in Bessemer, Honor, and Houghton.

Rep. Bergman stated, "President Trump's Administration has continued to invest in critical First District rural infrastructure projects. The grants and loans provided to both Munising and Manistique will improve wastewater collection, and in the case of Munising, replace wastewater infrastructure that is nearly 100 years old. These projects are the reason I advocated for this critical funding for FY20, and why I will fight for this continued investment in our communities in the years ahead."

Trump Administration Invests $268 Million in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 28 States

The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $268 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across 28 states. “Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities,” Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Background: USDA is funding 76 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. These investments will help to improve rural water infrastructure for 267,000 residents.

The investments that USDA announced today are being made in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov