County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant

The County Fairs Water Infrastructure Capital Improvement Grant is a funding opportunity administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This grant program aims to support county fairs across Michigan by enhancing water infrastructure at fairgrounds, with a focus on protecting human, animal, and environmental health. MDARD, a state-level agency dedicated to promoting Michigan’s agricultural industry and rural communities, is offering this opportunity under the state’s Emerging Contaminants in Food and Agriculture appropriation. The initiative addresses both current and potential risks associated with emerging contaminants in drinking water, wastewater, and other critical water systems. Eligible applicants include county fairs incorporated under Michigan law—either under Act 80 of 1855 or operated by counties under Act 11 of 1929. Additional eligibility requirements include a clean reporting history over the previous three years and, for fairs operating on leased land, a minimum five-year lease. Each fair association may submit only one proposal under this program. This grant program is reimbursement-based and requires no cash match from applicants, making it an accessible opportunity for qualifying fairs across the state. The grant will fund a wide range of capital improvements related to water infrastructure. Examples include water line replacement, sewage or septic system upgrades, well drilling, municipal water hookups, filtration systems, improvements to animal watering systems, and water storage enhancements. By strengthening fairground infrastructure, the program aims to ensure the availability of clean, safe water systems for both fair and non-fair events—ultimately benefiting millions of annual visitors and livestock alike. Applications must be submitted electronically via the MiAgGrants Grant Management System by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2026. Proposals must use the prescribed format and include the required application form. The submission process is fully digital, streamlining accessibility and efficiency for applicants. All required documents must be completed in accordance with MDARD’s guidelines. The total funding allocated for this program in fiscal year 2026 is $500,000. Individual awards will range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000. The grant performance period begins August 1, 2026, and runs through July 31, 2028. An interim report is due August 1, 2027, and a final report is required by August 31, 2028. Proposals will be evaluated based on clearly defined scoring criteria including project purpose, measurable outcomes, budget quality, projected impact, execution plan, and project sustainability. For additional questions or assistance, applicants may contact Lynsey Mukomel, Public Information Officer at MDARD, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 517-290-1734. Official program details, including application instructions and eligibility requirements, are available on the MDARD website.

Applicants should focus on clearly defined project purpose, detailed budgets, and measurable outcomes. Scoring prioritizes sustainability and long-term impact.