U.P. receives multiple “Rural Readiness” grants

What’s happening: The Office of Rural Prosperity, which is part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), awarded $852,000 in grants to support of 19 diverse community projects throughout Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions. These projects will help address critical needs such as childcare, housing development readiness, health and emergency preparedness, non-motorized transportation infrastructure and various capacity-building initiatives.

In the U.P.: Of the 19 projects, seven of them are connected to the Upper Peninsula, with grants totaling $320,000. Some are specific to just one municipality. Hancock, for example, will receive a grant to conduct a feasibility study and environmental assessment related to five sites that were owned by the former Finlandia University, which closed last year. Healthcare efforts for residential treatment options and addressing a lack of services in mental health care are among the other projects in the U.P.   

What they’re saying: “Michigan’s rural communities play an integral role in our economy,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “These funds will allow communities across Michigan to complete projects that provide vital resources to help their residents thrive.”  

What’s next: The various projects are expected to get started right away. The Michigan Rural Readiness Grant Program helps streamline a number of financial and administrative procedures for various governments in the state.