WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department Agriculture on Wednesday announced funding for 16 Michigan projects, including a $16.9 million loan to Dickinson County Healthcare System to refinance existing debt and purchase additional medical equipment.

Grants to the cities of Iron Mountain, Kingsford and Norway are also included in the $185 million in funding going to rural areas in 32 states.

Norway is receiving a $50,000 grant to purchase a backhoe that will replace one that has outlived its useful life. The backhoe will be used to support general operations and the city’s water department.

Kingsford’s grant of $26,500 will be used to purchase a patrol vehicle. This will replace a high mileage vehicle that has outlived its usefulness.

Iron Mountain is receiving a $14,900 grant to help purchase a K-9 vehicle for the police department. The existing K-9 vehicle will be used as a backup or utilized by the code enforcement officer as a regular patrol car.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in infrastructure improvements a priority,” said Justin Maxson, USDA deputy under secretary for Rural Development. “These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities.”

The loan for DCH was announced locally in March and officials have since worked toward closing the transaction.