Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grants

The Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), supports the food and agriculture industry in complying with wastewater regulations set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The grant reimburses eligible expenses related to compliance with EGLE’s Groundwater Discharge or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, as mandated under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, specifically Part 31. The initiative is part of MDARD’s broader mission to ensure environmental compliance while supporting the growth and sustainability of Michigan's food and agriculture sectors. The program targets existing Michigan-based food and agriculture processors that are currently under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance outlined in an EGLE permit. Eligible facility types include those obtaining or already under a Groundwater Discharge or NPDES permit. The grant is not open to municipalities or new companies constructing new facilities, ensuring focus on supporting operational businesses. Priority is given to operations involved in processing fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, eggs, and grains, and the applicant must be in good standing with MDARD to be eligible. Funding is allocated based on a tiered system, with award amounts linked to the facility’s wastewater daily flow volume. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible investment costs, with a maximum individual award of $2,000,000. Tiers range from Tier 1 (up to 750 gallons/day, max $225,000) to Tier 6 (over 20,001 gallons/day, max $2,000,000). Eligible reimbursable expenses include engineering, equipment, installation, certified operator training, and compliance documentation. Certain costs such as land acquisition, indirect costs, and unrelated salaries are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting August 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. EST, continuing until funds are exhausted. Interested applicants must first complete a Pre-Qualification Form to determine eligibility. Upon approval, they will receive instructions via email to submit a full application through the MiAgGrants system. Only one proposal per facility location or permit number will be funded. Successful applicants must meet specific milestones to receive reimbursement. These include providing a Basis of Design approved by EGLE, an issued permit, discharge management plan, operation and maintenance manual, and stamped as-built documents. All compliance must be verified by EGLE through inspection reports. Expenditures are eligible for reimbursement only if incurred on or after February 1, 2023, and applicants must initially fund the project themselves before being reimbursed. Questions can be directed to MDARD’s Food and Agriculture Business Development Division at MDARD-WIF@Michigan.gov. The application process continues until available funding is depleted, and notifications regarding pre-qualification status can take one to two months from submission. This rolling enrollment structure allows companies to apply as needed while funding remains available.

Ensure all compliance documentation is prepared and reviewed by certified professionals; applicants must front the project cost before reimbursement.