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EmailOn August 7, Gratiot County voters chose to fund Michigan State University Extension and Greater Gratiot Development through a millage. The 0.5-mill request will continue funding for both organizations for four years and will cost the average homeowner less than $25 a year.
MSU Extension is a three-way funding partnership between local, state and federal government. The county component of the partnership provides residents access to programs addressing specific county needs and to staff embedded in their county. Through this partnership, residents are connected to the university network of experts and to statewide programs in youth development, agriculture, health and nutrition, natural resources protection and development, and community and economic development.
“The community has our commitment to be good stewards of millage funds to further our mission to serve Gratiot County,” said Bill Hendrian, MSU Extension district coordinator. “We pledge to work hard to ensure that we are meeting the needs of Gratiot County residents by providing strong, relevant programming.”
Over the past year, MSU Extension provided life skills training and opportunities to more than 1,100 youth in programs such as 4-H, helped 3,000 adults and youth through health and nutrition programs. The organization has contributed to spending $515,399 with local businesses and contributed to an overall total economic impact of $5,386,371 in Gratiot County.
“We’d like to thank all of the people who’ve supported Extension along the way,” Hendrian said. “MSU Extension has been in Gratiot County for over 100 years, and we hope to work for the county for at least 100 years more.”
MSU Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses. With a presence in every Michigan county, MSU Extension faculty and staff members help grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities and empower their children to dream of a successful future.
To find out more about MSU Extension programs and services in Gratiot County, visit canr.msu.edu/Gratiot.