{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-over-38-million-to-support-michigan-rural-communities", "Peters & Stabenow Announce Over $38 Million to Support Michigan Rural Communities", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "MI", "Gary C. Peters", "P000595", "www.peters.senate.gov", "garypeters", "https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will award $38,460,630 to support rural communities across Michigan. Senators Peters and Stabenow secured these funds through both the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\n\u201cInvesting in our rural communities ensures that every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed,\u201d said Senator Peters. \u201cWe worked hard to secure this funding, which will expand broadband service, support climate-smart agriculture and strengthen water infrastructure in rural communities across Michigan.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy hometown of Clare was a great place to grow up. I secured this funding for families in Clare and Michigan\u2019s other small towns so they have the tools to run their businesses and farms,\u201d said Senator Stabenow. \u201cAdditionally, when we invest in rural America, we aren\u2019t just investing in the families who live there. This money will help our entire state succeed.\n\n\u201cThe potato industry is hungry for grants that help them install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements in their operations. The more energy savings we can accumulate is directly related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions due to the decrease in overall power consumption, and thus opens the door for agriculture to play a large role in climate smart practices,\u201d said Dr. Kelly Turner, Ed.D., CAE, Executive Director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.\n\n\u201cMichigan Apple growers have always been innovative and forward-thinking, and oftentimes early adopters of new technology. It comes as no surprise that Laketop Orchards, LLC is a recipient of this grant to purchase and install a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system. MAC appreciates this grower family\u2019s commitment to the future, not only saving dollars for their operation but also conserving energy. This effort positions them and Michigan\u2019s Apple industry as leaders in agriculture technology and sustainability,\u201d said Diane Smith, Executive Director of Michigan Apples.\n\n\u201cThe Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has been a great tool for farmers looking to add value, reduce costs and provide energy efficiencies on their farms. We\u2019re glad to see Michigan farmers participating in the program and partnering with USDA on these opportunities for our farms and rural communities. We appreciate Senator Debbie Stabenow and her colleagues for prioritizing REAP and other important programs,\u201d said John Kran, National Legislative Counsel, Michigan Farm Bureau.\n\nUSDA\u2019s Rural Energy for America Program will award 46 Michigan local businesses with $8,158,581 in grants. These funds will help farmers, producers, and rural business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to lower energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of their operations. A list of all the recipients can be found here.\n\nThe Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will receive $3,742,293 to expand high-speed, affordable internet access to Chippewa Country residents. These funds were made possible by the USDA\u2019s Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program.\n\nThe Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians will receive $20,359,756 to preserve and protect fisheries and wildlife populations in northwest lower Michigan. Newtrient LLC will receive $6,200,000 to help dairy farmers reduce their methane production. These funds are made possible by USDA\u2019s Regional Conservation Partnership Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/peters-and-stabenow-announce-over-38-million-to-support-michigan-rural-communities"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.6616128850728273, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}