3 mid-Michigan businesses awarded nearly $300K in grant funding
Lansing, Mich (WNEM) – Over $1.8 million in grant funding is being awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to 21 different projects that support infrastructure and benefits rural communities.
The Rural Development Fund Grants are authorized by Public Act 411 of 2012. They promote the sustainability of land-based industries including food and agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism. The grants also support workforce training, rural capacity building, business development and infrastructure that benefits rural communities.
Of the 21 projects funded, three are within TV5′s viewing area:
- TCA Management, LLC of Caro will receive $100,00: It will aid in the hiring of up to four new employees and to purchase a new FM200C 2G Dual Wash plant. It will produce material needed by federal, state, and local agricultural and residential customers.
- Maurer Meat Processors, LLC of Ubly will receive $96,350: It will use the funds to upgrade the shrink-wrap heat tunnel system for packaging and wrapping meat products. This move should reduce the risk of product loss.
- Michigan State Trust and Railway Preservation of Owosso will receive $100,000: It will use the funding to move the existing track switch, and to extend a current dead-end siding across Washington Street parallel to the to the Great Lakes Central Railroad’s mainline. It’s expected to increase passenger capacity.
“MDARD is committed to supporting the food, agriculture and forest products industries vital to Michigan’s economy,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Through programs like the Rural Development Fund, MDARD can support projects that strengthen infrastructure, promote sustainable land-based industries, and deliver new jobs to rural communities.”
Anyone interested in applying for these grants can do so through the MiAgGrants system. Those eligible must live within counties with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. MDARD adds Marquette County projects are given priority according to statute. Grant proposals are evaluated by MDARD through a competitive process.
For more information about this grant program or for a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.
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