Representatives from the USDA Rural Development office visited Lenawee Now last week to share information about resources and programs available to our local communities. Community leaders learned about federal programs that can help local municipalities, businesses, rural farms, and families.
These programs are available to all of our communities. “Some of our communities have taken advantage of these programs,” shared Jim Van Doren, Executive Director of Lenawee Now. “All of our communities need to utilize these resources.”
A variety of grants and loans are available to rural communities throughout America and the definition of rural applies to nearly all of Lenawee County. Businesses and nonprofits can take advantage of loans and grants to expand or move their operations, low income homeowners can apply for low-interest loans to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, and municipalities can utilize programs to upgrade equipment that makes their communities safer.
“If you are planning for the future of your communities, please reach out to us and see how we can help” said Lisa Hewitt-Cruz, USDA Area Director for the Flint and Mason offices.
Orlene Hawks, Director of LARA, presented an update on the new marijuana regulations and the department’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.
“One of the things we are really excelling at is fighting the opioid epidemic our communities face,” shared Hawks. She went on to share more information about the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS), a new tool that the department has developed to allow prescribers and dispensers to track controlled substances, assess patient risk, and prevent drug abuse.
“I look forward to continuing improvements on our diverse regulatory system,” Hawks finished.