LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is offering a competitive grant program to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure benefiting rural communities in Michigan.

“Investing and supporting our rural communities is a hallmark of MDARD,” Director Gary McDowell said. “The administration is committed to growing our rural economy and these grants are an important step in tackling the unique challenges facing our rural communities.”

The Rural Development Fund grants are available for projects addressing expansion and sustainability of land-based industries; worker training related to land-based industries; and energy, transportation, housing, communications, water, and wastewater infrastructure to benefit rural communities and micropolitan statistical areas (defined by the U.S. Department of Management and Budget as an area/county with at least one urban cluster of at least 10,000 but fewer than 50,000 population). Specific projects for consideration may include projects that lead to the expansion and location of meat processing facilities, if in an eligible area.

Land-based industries include food and agriculture; forestry; mining; oil and gas production; and tourism. Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. For a complete list of eligible counties, go online to Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants.

The proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process. The maximum limit on project grant fund requests is $100,000. The total allotment of funding for the current year is about $1.74 million. All proposals require at least a 30% cash match. Applicants for grant funds will be asked to describe how the project will affect and produce measurable outcomes for rural communities.

Those interested in applying for the grant program should go to Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants to view the application and program guidelines. All applicants are required to submit three letters of support.

Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to MDA-Grants@Michigan.gov. Proposals must be received at the email listed above no later than 3 p.m. Eastern time Nov. 18. Proposals received after 3 p.m. Eastern will not be considered.

The Rural Development Fund grants are funded by the Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax.