Congressman Jack Bergman announced $21 million in federal grants, and nearly $8 million in federal loans to replace water and sewage systems in Gogebic and Schoolcraft counties.
Congressman Bergman released the following statement and information:
“Clean water is essential to the well-being of Michiganders and water quality remains a concern for families throughout the First District of Michigan. This major investment by USDA in water infrastructure in Gogebic and Schoolcraft Counties is encouraging as we seek to ensure access to safe water throughout the state,” said Bergman. “These grant dollars will be spent replacing miles of water systems that date back to the early 1900’s. I appreciate the Administration’s continued investment in rural communities water infrastructure.”
USDA State Director Jason Allen noted, “Michigan residents are rightly concerned about ensuring water quality. These projects continue USDA’s historic investments in the health and future well-being of our rural communities.”
Eligible communities and water districts can apply online on the interactive RD Apply tool, or they can apply through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.
Rural Development WEP funds will be used by the city of Manistique for improvements to their sewer system. The city entered into a consent order with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in 1989 to close the three combined sewer overflows over a period of 30 years.
Over the past 7 years, the city has performed upgrades to the sewer system. As of 2016, approximately 75.6% of the collection system had been separated from the storm water system and only one CSO remains.
The closure of this CSO cannot be done until extraneous flows are addressed. This project will consist of work at the wastewater treatment plant, the sanitary sewer siphon under the Manistique River, and Park Avenue. Approximately 2,100 feet of sanitary sewer main and 400 feet of storm sewer will be replaced, and also separate storm water catch basins. Construction is required to eliminate the violation of discharge to the Manistique River by 2019. The sewer system serves 1,195 residential and 224 commercial users.
Loan Term: 40 years @ 2.375% Total Project Cost: $6,528,000.00
Rural Development WEP funds will be used by the City of Manistique for improvements to their water system. The water distribution system is approximately 70-100 years old. The water mains are plagued with heavy tuberculation, which reduces fire flow, reduced pressure, and lowers quality. Undersized 6 and 8 inch mains will be upgraded to 8 inch and 12 inch mains.
This project will be done in conjunction with the CSO closure sewer main replacement to reduce the construction impact on residents. The project will replace approximately 6,100 feet of water main along with valves and hydrants. Since 2010, they have been cited by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that they are not in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, 1976 PA 399. MDEQ confirmed the deficiencies still exist in the water system. The water system serves 1,240 residential and 243 commercial users.
