The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia joined a ribbon cutting yesterday for the Hemlock Public School District's new fieldhouse funded by a $1 million grant from USDA.

"High School sports are a uniquely American institution that provide learning opportunities that student athletes will carry forward for the rest of their lives. School sports are one of the cornerstones of life in rural Michigan, a vital source of community spirit," said Restuccia. "Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA has made a major investment in the future of the people of Hemlock. This fieldhouse will be a learning ground of trial and error, leadership and teamwork for generations of Hemlock students to come."

The district's previous athletic infrastructure was outdated and did not meet the needs of the students. The new facility allows for better athletic training opportunities and will be a resource for physical education programs.

USDA provided the grant through the Community Facilities Program , and the recipient contributed $700,000.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loans, grants, and loan guarantees to promote rural prosperity. Learn more at www .rd.usda.gov/mi .