City receives USDA-RD grants for a plow truck and courthouse improvements
Onaway city officials received word September 12 that they were the recipients of both of the grants applied for from USDA Rural Development to purchase a second plow truck, and continue to with improvements to the Onaway Courthouse.
City manager Joe Hefele reported at Monday?s city commission meeting that the community received $82,500 for the purchase of the new plow truck and $52,000 for courthouse improvements.
When it comes to grants, money has been tight across the country, but the City of Onaway received two of only six grants awarded in Michigan.
The $82,500 for the plow truck would be matched by a loan of $27,500, also through USDA-RD, while the $52,500 for the courthouse would be matched by $17,500 in existing donations. The other communities to receive funding in Michigan were Olivet, Big Rapids, and two for Richfield Township.
ONAWAY RECEIVED the most grant money in Michigan. Mayor Gary Wregglesworth was complimentary of the USDA-RD for their generosity and to Hefele for his successful grant writing efforts. Hefele commended the city commission for taking action to seek the funding.
Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns announced the award of more than $16 million in Economic Impact Grants to improve public safety, health care, and educational services in 30 states.
“These grants will enhance the quality of life for thousands of rural Americans,” said Johanns on the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The funds are provided through USDA Rural Development?s Community Facilities Program.
Onaway has benefited from nearly a half dozen economic impact grants, which include construction of a new DPW building and the purchase of a plow truck at the end of last winter.
Blake Smith from the USDA-RD office from Traverse City met with Wregglesworth and Hefele Tuesday at the courthouse to the sign paperwork. The city commission authorized the mayor to sign the paperwork necessary to secure the funds.
?I ALSO WOULD ask that you give me permission to get prices on the cab and chassis, as well as the truck equipment, through competitive negotiations, rather than sealed bids,? said Hefele. It is likely that the city will not have the new truck in the fleet until early March, which creates a bit of a bind for this winter.
The Ford DPW truck needs nearly $5,000 in repairs and the old International might not make it through the winter. Hefe
?We have some time to make a decision, but winter is fast approaching and we should have two trucks ready to roll by the first snowfall,? said Hefele.
Funding for the courthouse improvements include the installation of a storm water system, paving the parking lot, painting the exterior trim, and installation of a lightning protection system. Hefele does not expect construction to begin until spring. The city manager would like to bid the lightning system, painting, and drain system/paving separately.
USDA RD?s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities.