LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced the launch of its Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Program to help the state’s growing food and agriculture businesses to ensure compliance with Michigan’s environmental regulations.

“Under Gov. (Gretchen) Whitmer’s leadership, we’re making bold investments into upgrading all aspects of infrastructure, including within our thriving food and agriculture sector,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “The new Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Program will assist local food and agriculture businesses to improve infrastructure but will help them move toward climate-smart practices that will protect our environment and public health.”

Successful applicants will receive funding to assist them with coming into compliance with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) wastewater regulations under their Groundwater Discharge Permit Program. Eligible entities are agriculture and food processors located in Michigan, who are under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, have a Certificate of Compliance found in a state Groundwater Discharge Permit or certificate of coverage from EGLE, and be in good standing with the State of Michigan.

Full details are available on the MDARD grant page (michigan.gov/mdardgrants). Applications will be accepted until the $30 million in program funding has been exhausted with a maximum of $2 million per project. Each awarded amount will follow a tiered system as part of the cost-reimbursement for selected projects.

Eligible wastewater investment costs include the following items: Prework – sampling and analysis, site review work, engineering design, installation and labor, equipment, construction materials, land application equipment, business plan, operation & maintenance manual, sampling analysis plan, certified operator training, or construction and design. All grantees will be required to complete the following milestones: operation and maintenance manual, as-builts, basis of design, discharge management plan, and issued EGLE groundwater discharge permit/certificate of coverage.

Companies will first submit an electronic pre-qualification form online available on the MDARD grant page. The pre-qualification form will be reviewed, and MDARD staff will contact companies with questions and next steps. Preference will be given to companies that fall within Tier 1 and Tier 2. This program has an open application process until all funding is utilized.