USDA Commemorates Ironwood Ribbon Cutting, Announces $1 Million Investment for Rudyard Township

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia today commemorated the ribbon cutting for Ironwood's water system and announced a $1,064,000 loan for Rudyard Township.

"It's fitting that we celebrate the completion of one Upper Peninsula infrastructure project and are able to announce a new one moving forward," said Restuccia. "Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, we are making historic infrastructure investments across rural Michigan."

The City of Ironwood, in Gogebic County, partnered with USDA Rural Development to improve the city's drinking water system. These investments have significantly enhanced the community's access to safe, reliable drinking water. The water infrastructure enhancements took place in four phases beginning in 2010. The city ultimately received $15,442,000 in loans and $9,378,000 in grants for a total project cost of $24.82 million.

Rudyard Township, in Chippewa County, is receiving its loan to make improvements to the municipal wastewater collection/treatment system. This will include sludge removal, repairs to the earthen berms surrounding treatment lagoons and improvements to the lift station and grinder pumps. The project is necessary to address cited deficiencies identified by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Rudyard Township provided $45,000 for a total project cost of $1,109,000 and 1,289 community residents will benefit from this effort.

Funding for both projects was made possible through USDA's Water and Environmental Programs , which provide technical assistance and financing for rural communities to develop and improve essential water and waste infrastructure.

These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/mi .