U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia today announced that $225,000 in grant funds will go to Central Montcalm Public Schools.

USDA provided the funding through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program. The program offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in rural communities.

“As school starts up again, these projects are reminders of how USDA Rural Development is helping school districts and libraries,” Restuccia said. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, we are making major investments in rural communities across Michigan.”

Central Montcalm Public Schools, in Montcalm County, plan to use the $225,000 grant to renovate unused classrooms and convert them into licensable space for daycare and before- and after-school programs. The existing rooms and outdoor areas will receive updates to meet childcare licensing requirements. In addition to the building updates, the district will build a new playground.

"Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with the exceptional staff at Central Montcalm Public Schools and see their vision for providing a safe and secure learning environment for children,” said Rep. John Moolenaar. “The federal funding I secured for this project will promote the educational development of children in Stanton and the surrounding area. I am grateful for USDA’s Rural Development programs and will continue to support their efforts to invest in our communities.”

The USDA also announced an additional $300,000 for Friends of Hubbard Lake, near Alpena, toward furnishings and technology to equip the community’s library and community center. 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.

Release courtesy of the _{U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.}