Monroe Review

Sen. Joseph Bellino has expressed his approval and appreciation for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's decision to award $87.5 million in grant funding for various projects across the state of Michigan. The funding, provided through the Strategic Site Readiness Program, aims to support the state's efforts to attract and secure transformative projects.

One of the projects benefiting from this grant is a site in Monroe County, where the Monroe County Business Alliance will receive $82,310 to conduct site due diligence and evaluate the utility infrastructure at a 143-acre LAC site. Sen. Bellino, who represents Monroe County, commended the selection of this site, emphasizing its potential for economic development and job creation.

In his statement, Sen. Bellino highlighted the significance of the Strategic Site Readiness Program in making Michigan competitive for large-scale projects, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and energy. He emphasized the importance of long-term investments that can have a positive impact on communities for generations to come.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation received a total of 72 applications for grant funding, amounting to over $420 million in requests. To prioritize the allocation of funds, the state focused on projects that involved repurposing brownfield or former manufacturing sites, had strategic locations, and could be developed quickly. The goal was to select projects that would have a significant impact on the state and regional economy.

Out of the 18 projects that received funding, 10 are brownfield sites, which will receive 49% of the award funding. The remaining funds from the $100 million Strategic Site Readiness Program allocation will be used for projects that require further evaluation, address additional needs that may arise, and support sites entering the Site Readiness Certification Program, which is set to launch in the current fiscal year.

The approval of these grants underscores Michigan's commitment to attracting investment and fostering economic growth. By providing support for site readiness and infrastructure evaluation, the state is positioning itself as an attractive destination for businesses looking to establish new manufacturing and energy facilities.

The grant awarded to the Monroe County site reinforces the potential for economic development in the region. It is a testament to the state's dedication to creating opportunities for job creation and long-term prosperity.

Sen. Bellino's support for the grant and his recognition of its importance in promoting economic development reflects his commitment to serving the interests of his constituents in Monroe County and the state of Michigan as a whole.