MEDC announces 2014 downtown infrastructure grants for Michigan communities

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $7,600,176 in Downtown Infrastructure Grant (DIG) program funds to 14 Michigan communities for public infrastructure improvements.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $7,600,176 in Downtown Infrastructure Grant (DIG) program funds to 14 Michigan communities for public infrastructure improvements.

“These grants will improve Michigan downtowns and spur additional economic growth in the surrounding areas,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The DIG program helps make our communities more attractive for investments that create places where people want to live, work and play.”

The communities will provide a total of $2,715,620 in matching funds. All of the projects are located in traditional downtowns, will be completed by December 31, 2014 and will support reactivation of public spaces and incorporate design elements. 

The MSF received 45 applications requesting a total of $18 million with a total of $5.5 million in matching funds and additional $1 million in leveraged funds. 

The communities chosen for awards today are the City of Boyne City, City of Big Rapids, City of Durand, City of Evart, City of Harrison, City of Ithaca, City of Lapeer, City of Olivet, City of Owosso, City of West Branch, Township of Michigamme, Village of Constantine, Village of Kalkaska and the Village of Mattawan (additional details below).

“The DIG program provides communities with a chance to grow and attract new business development in the downtown districts,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “We look forward to working closely with these communities to contribute to their success.” 

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.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.