Two Northern Michigan communities are getting some federal help to finance several projects that are expected to bring new jobs to the area.

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak, (D-Menominee) announced the city of Onaway and Bergland Township in Ontonagon County received grants and a loan totaling more than $1.35 million dollars to upgrade community facilities. 

The projects are expected to create 22 jobs in northern Michigan.  The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“By creating jobs to improve local roads and build a center for members of the community to gather, this stimulus funding is an investment in infrastructure that is critical to the economic future of these communities,” Stupak said.  “Communities across northern Michigan continue to benefit from rural development grants and I am pleased USDA continues to support efforts to improve facilities and infrastructure in the First Congressional District.”

The city of Onaway received a $100,000 grant to be used to improve road safety issues.  Two jobs will be created as a result of this grant.

Bergland Township in Ontonagon County received a $192,000 grant and a loan for $1,065,000 to build a new community facility.  The building will house the offices for Bergland Township, fire department equipment and records and a community center for holding large meetings, community activities and voting.  Funding for this project will create 22 jobs.

For more information on ARRA efforts by USDA log onto THIS LINK.