Grant available for projects to boost small communities

LANSING (AP) — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has a new grant program designed to boost industry and infrastructure in rural communities.

The department is offering grants for projects that would promote expansion and sustainability of land-based industries such as farming, forestry, mining, oil and gas production and tourism.

Also eligible are projects supporting water, communications, transportation and other infrastructure in small communities.

Proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process and most include at least a 30 percent cash match. A total of $1.5 million is available this year to be divided among winning projects.

The application deadline is Feb. 2, 2017.

Applicants will be asked to describe how the project could produce measurable improvements for rural areas.