WASHINGTON, May 20, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the selection of nearly $56.6 million in essential community facilities and emergency responder projects that are being funded immediately with federal funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The 267 projects will help communities in 39 states, including over $4.7 million for Michigan. "The Recovery Act funds provided today will help support rural communities' efforts to protect and serve their residents by providing essential public safety services," said Vilsack. "These projects are the first of many that are expected to create or save more than 1,310 jobs and help rural communities provide expanded access to health care, support first responder efforts, and finance libraries, schools and day care centers." All of the funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program, which helps finance and develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include childcare centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through its Community Facilities program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes. President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need. Here is a list of areas in Michigan benefiting from the government grants and loans: | NAME | County | Project Type | LOAN | GRANT | | Teaching Family Homes of Upper MI | Marquette | Group Home/Educ. Bldg | $1,135,000 | $0 | | Thompson Township | Schoolcraft | Pumper Fire Truck | $237,000 | $27,000 | | Casco Township | Allegan | Fire Hall | $650,000 | $50,000 | | Lake Linden, Village of | Houghton | Police Vehicle | | $14,000 | | Calumet Township | Houghton | All-Season Rescue Vehicle | | $14,000 | | Gladstone, City of | Houghton | Police Vehicle | | $9,000 | | Oceana County | Oceana | Marine Patrol Rescue Boat | | $34,000 | | Negaunee, City of | Marquette | UTV Vehicle | | $4,000 | | Osceola County | Osceola | Police Vehicle | | $7,000 | | Spring Lake, Village of | Ottawa | Police Vehicle | | $3,000 | | Spring Lake, Village of | Ottawa | Police Command Vehicle | | $4,000 | | Munising, City of | Alger | Snow Plow | $181,000 | $50,000 | | Munising, City of | Alger | Street Sweeper | $121,000 | $35,000 | | Covert Township | Van Buren | Police Vehicle | | $18,000 | | Gogebic County | Gogebic | Patrol Vehicle #1 | | $10,000 | | Munising, City of | Alger | Fire/Police/City Hall | $1,550,000 | $50,000 | | Negaunee, City of | Marquette | Police Vehicle | | $9,000 | | Mancelona, Village of | Antrim | DPW Plow Truck | $93,000 | $15,000 | | Manistique, City of | Schoolcraft | Police Vehicle | | $18,000 | | Mecosta County Medical Center | Mecosta | Digital Mammography | | $50,000 | | Manistique, City of | Schoolcraft | Garage door for fire hall | | $5,000 | | Crystal Falls, City of | Iron | Comm Ctr Improvements | $212,000 | | | Ishpeming, City of | Marquette | 4WD Police Vehicle | | $20,000 | | St. Ignace City of | Mackinac | Ojibwa Museum | $170,000 | | | | | Total Obligated | $4,349,000 | $446,000 |
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