MI HB6009

Establishes the Rural Development Fund Act to create a fund and five-member Rural Development Fund Board within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, with board members appointed by the governor including representatives from the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Creates the Rural Development Fund within the state treasury, funded by state appropriations, gifts, donations, and revenues from the nonferrous metallic minerals extraction severance tax.

Authorizes the board to develop criteria for evaluating project proposals with preference for funding projects in regions where revenues are generated, focusing on land-based industries expansion, worker training, and rural infrastructure for energy, transportation, communications, water, and wastewater.

Permits fund expenditures for grants, loans, and loan guarantees to projects meeting board criteria, with up to $250,000 annually transferable to the nonferrous metallic mineral surveillance fund.

Prohibits fund use for telecommunication facilities owned by governmental entities or educational institutions, and for broadband expansion in areas already served by 3 mbps downstream and 768 kbps upstream service.