The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced 44 new loan commitments from revolving fund programs to aid communities throughout Michigan make needed infrastructure improvements.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Strategic Water Quality Initiatives Fund (SWQIF) provide low-interest financing for local units of government to improve wastewater collection and treatment facilities, while assistance from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) finances improvements to public drinking water systems. The loans announced today total $279,905,000.

"Communities across Michigan are making tremendous strides in protecting and enhancing Michigan's water resources by implementing these critically important infrastructure improvement projects," said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. "These low-interest loans also bring new jobs through construction activity, and help communities attract new business opportunities."

With loan interest rates well below those otherwise available in the open market, funding infrastructure projects through the DNRE's programs allows communities to pass savings along to users of their water and wastewater systems. The loans this year are being supplemented with proceeds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, enabling the state to provide partial loan forgiveness and further reduce the cost of implementing these projects for local communities.

The funded CWSRF projects total $214,305,000 and will see wastewater infrastructure and nonpoint source pollution control improvements in 26 communities across the state, while DWRF projects will occur in 16 communities and total $65,600,000. These projects will ensure the protection of Michigan's valuable water resources and the public health of Michigan's families.

A detailed list of these projects can be found on the department's ARRA Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-ess-mfs-ARRA-GOV1511Cert4_306753_7.pdf.

The funding commitments announced today bring CWSRF financing awarded to date to over $3.6 billion, while over $635 million in assistance has been tendered through the DWRF program since its inception in 1998.

Editor's note:  DNRE environmental news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

The DNRE is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations.