Four Michigan communities are receiving federal loans and grants to upgrade rural water systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a combined $7.7 million for the projects, which rural development state director Jason Allen says safeguard water resources in the Great Lakes region.
Portage Township in Houghton County is receiving a $960,000 loan and a $2 million grant to construct a sewer collection system.
The city of Fennville in Allegan County is getting a $1.1 million loan for water system improvements. A loan of $826,000 will help the village of Homer in Calhoun County finance wastewater system upgrades.
The fourth recipient is the village of Vicksburg in Kalamazoo County, which is receiving $2.79 million in loans to improve water and storm sewer systems.
Communities can apply online for the funding.