MEDC Grant Sewer Lining

_{MEDC Grant Announcement
October 22, 2004
Contact: Paul Krepps 
(517) 335-4590}

Governor Rolls Out New Michigan Public Works Program to Grow Michigan Downtowns
$8.3 Million Awarded for Improvements in 20 Communities

Governor Jennifer Granholm announced today that $8.3 million in federal funding would be awarded to 20 communities to help finance infrastructure projects that will bring more jobs and investment to core communities around the state. The funding was made available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Governor's new Michigan Public Works Program.

"These grants will help Michigan communities attract new businesses and new jobs," Granholm said. "We've chosen the communities that need the funding most and are most able to get started on their projects quickly."

Out of 77 applicants statewide, the following 20 communities were chosen to receive funding: Albion, Bangor, Big Rapids, Calumet, Corunna, Fowlerville, Gaylord, Grayling, Kalkaska, Kingsley, Manistee, Manistique, Masonville Township, Millington, North Branch, Owendale, Republic Township, Rosebush, Seney Township and White Cloud. (See attached chart for project descriptions).

Grant recipients were selected primarily on their overall eligibility and the impact the project would have on the community. Priority was given to projects that are ready to begin construction in the immediate future, have sufficient local matching funding, and have completed preliminary cost estimates.

Michigan Public Works funding benefits cities, villages, and townships where at least 51 percent of the population is composed of low- and moderate-income residents as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds may be used for projects that upgrade existing public infrastructure systems by replacing deteriorating or obsolete systems or by adding capacity to existing but burdened systems.

Michigan Public Works is part of the Governor's new $30 million, two-pronged Grow Michigan Communities Initiative that also includes funding for downtown gateway projects. Communities were invited to submit notices of intent to receive funding from both programs in late September. "Gateways" grant recipients are expected to be announced by late November.

"All of these communities should be commended for pursuing and winning the opportunity to benefit from this funding," said MEDC President and CEO Don Jakeway. "Michigan's downtowns are on the rise because of grassroots revitalization efforts like these."

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the state's Community Development Block Grant funds received from HUD.  These funds are used to provide grants to eligible counties, cities, villages, and townships-typically those with populations less than 50,000-for economic development, community development, and housing projects. Larger communities receive block grant funds directly from the federal government. Projects are approved contingent upon compliance with state and federal requirements.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and high quality of life.

View below for a PDF File listing of the 20 Grants Awarded.