MEDC Infrastructure Grants Given to State Communities

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LANSING — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $4.5 million in Downtown Infrastructure Grant program funds to nine Michigan communities for public infrastructure improvements.

“Improving our downtowns will help ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses,” Gov. Rick Snyder said.

The communities will provide a total of $3.4 million in matching funds. All of the projects are located in traditional downtowns, will be completed within one year and will incorporate innovative design elements.

The communities chosen for awards today are the cities of Croswell, Grand Haven, Hart, Imlay City, Iron River, South Haven,  Tawas City and the villages of Fowlerville and Lyons.

“The DIG program is an important resource that helps communities promote new business development and job creation,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “We are pleased to work with city officials to make these projects a reality.”

DIG, a Community Development Block Grant program, provides public infrastructure improvement funding to projects located in a traditional downtown. The program is intended for Michigan non-entitlement communities – specifically low to moderate income communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Projects must benefit the entire community to be eligible for the funding.

The MEDC Community Assistance Team members, along with state legislators, will be holding check presentations today in each of the respective communities.