October 13, 2006

Governor, Cabinet members visit community revitalization projects

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined members of her Cabinet on the Cities of Promise tour in Saginaw.  The Governor kicked off the tour by making several announcements that will benefit Saginaw area residents.

“Today, we are providing Saginaw with the critical tools they need to bring new jobs to their community and encourage people to work, live, and raise their families here,” Granholm said.  “My comprehensive economic plan to create jobs and transform Michigan’s economy includes creating Cities of Promise that are attractive and thriving communities.”

Governor Granholm’s announcements included the following:

•  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded a $1 million Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to the Saginaw County Economic Development Corporation to address environmental concerns at a former industrial site in Saginaw and facilitate its re-use.  The Jobs Today, Jobs Tomorrow grant will help the neighboring community benefit from a safe clean site, and an $8 million private investment project which will create new jobs.
 
“This project will clean up a contaminated site and return it to productive use in this industrial area, while allowing the community to restore a portion of the Saginaw River shoreline,” DEQ Director Steve Chester said.  “This is yet another example of how we can provide for a healthy environment while promoting a healthy economy.”

•  The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has provided $2.69 million to reconstruct streetscape and improve safety on Johnson Street from Washington Avenue to Sixth Avenue, home to the Dow Event Center.

“This route is an important all-season designated truck route and a major gateway to the city of Saginaw from I-675,” MDOT Director Kirk Steudle said.  “We continue to pave the way to a stronger economy.”                                                      

•  The Michigan Department of Agriculture (DAG) awarded three Agricultural Innovation Grants to Saginaw area companies, including a $315,000 grant to the Michigan Sugar Company, a $250,000 grant to the Pigeon Cooperative Elevator Company, and a $100,000 grant to the Chestnut Growers Inc.  The grant program is part of an aggressive effort to spur growth in several economic sectors and is a key component of the 21st Century Jobs Fund.

“Michigan Sugar, Pigeon Cooperative Elevator, and Chestnut Growers are all tremendous examples of proven leadership in Michigan’s agriculture industry,” DAG Director Mitch Irwin said. “The agricultural innovation program is essential as we continue to diversify our economy in the 21st century.”

Following the governor’s announcements, various members of her Cabinet joined local partners and community leaders for a tour of the different revitalization projects underway in the Saginaw community.

The Cities of Promise initiative is Governor Granholm’s innovative five-year program that allows state agencies and local officials to collaborate in order to focus resources in eight urban Michigan cities with the highest poverty rates.  In addition to Saginaw, other “Cities of Promise” include:  Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Muskegon Heights, Pontiac, Flint, and Benton Harbor.

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