State grants for U.P. winter water & sewer repairs

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is giving out a round of grants to nine Michigan counties that had a state of emergency declared due to bitter cold winter temperatures.

The Community Development Block Grants will total $6 million. Chippewa, Delta, Gogebic, Luce, Mackinac and Marquette counties are eligible, as are three counties in the Lower Peninsula.

The grant money will be distributed in an online competitive process. The grants can be used to help repair damaged water and sewer mains, roads and other vital infrastructure.

The MEDC will work with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to ensure a coordinated response to deep freeze issues in all affected counties.

Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency for Marquette County in mid-April. The other eight counties followed with a state of emergency declaration in early May.