Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $300,000 in Funding For Communities Across the Upper Peninsula

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $347,500 in funding to support rural communities across the Upper Peninsula. This investment comes through the USDA's Rural Development Community Facilities grant program in the Farm Bill, which funds critical infrastructure needs in rural communities in Michigan and across the country.

“Our small towns in the Upper Peninsula and across Michigan face unique challenges. This investment in public safety, transportation services, and schools will play a critical role in helping our communities thrive,” said Senator Stabenow.

“As Michiganders continue working together to overcome challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that rural communities have the support they need – from school district improvements to infrastructure upgrades,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased that these grants will help strengthen communities across the Upper Peninsula.”

The Menominee County Road Commission will receive $11,900 to purchase equipment that will reduce the time it takes to restore roadways impacted by flooding and erosion.

“The Menominee County Road Commission is extremely thankful to receive such funding from the USDA. The hydroseeder acquired with these funds will allow the Road Commission to efficiently minimize the environmental impacts caused by erosion and runoff. Also, a big thank you to the support staff at our local USDA Rural Development office for their assistance with this project. Thank you,” said Darrell Cass, Manager at Menominee County Road Commission.

The Bessemer Area School District will receive $36,900 to purchase equipment for Washington Elementary School. The funding will be used to purchase ADA accessible playground equipment, handheld radios to increase communication between the school and its buses, and Chrome books for the students’ educational needs.

The Bessemer Area School District will receive $32,700 to purchase a maintenance vehicle to help with the school’s upkeep and operations.

The Village of Calumet will receive $91,800 to purchase a front wheel loader and snow removal equipment. This equipment will add versatility and efficiency the village’s snow removal process.

The City of Caspian will receive $50,000 to purchase a patrol vehicle.

The County of Gogebic will receive $26,800 to purchase a pickup truck with a snow plow. This will allow the county to cost-effectively plow their own snow and perform ground maintenance and cleanup.

The Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County will receive $97,400 to purchase two school buses and bus radios. This funding with allow the school district to upgrade its radio system and will increase the number of buses transporting students to and from school.  

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Senator Stabenow co-authored the 2018 Farm Bill, which made these grants possible.

###