LANSING – Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm announced Wednesday that 35 Michigan communities, including Cassopolis, Decatur and Hartford, will receive more than $18.1 million in federal funding to support public infrastructure projects and create jobs while building the foundation for a stronger economy.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is made available through the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

“Investing in 21st century infrastructure is critical to attracting business investment, creating jobs and building dynamic communities,” Granholm said.

The 35 communities were chosen from 111 applicants.

Grant recipients were selected on their overall eligibility and the impact the project would have on the community.

Priority was given to projects that have sufficient local matching funds, completed preliminary cost estimates and are ready to begin construction.

The Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement program, formerly known as the Public Works program, benefits cities, villages and townships where at least 51 percent of the population is comprised of low- and moderate-income residents as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Funds may be used to upgrade existing public infrastructure systems by replacing deteriorating or obsolete systems or by adding capacity to existing but burdened systems.
To date, $80.4 million has been awarded to communities across the state through the Public Works and Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement programs.

“This funding helps Michigan’s communities address the cost of upgrading public facilities,” MEDC President and CEO Greg Main said. “In today’s competitive business environment, projects like these can give communities an upper hand in attracting new investment and jobs.”

MEDC administers the state’s CDBG 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.
MEDC, 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 a high quality of life.

• Bangor City, Van Buren County, $252,000; $28,000; 60.7; utility improvements.

• Bloomingdale Village, Van Buren County, $478,800; $55,000; 53.2; sewer improvements.

• Cassopolis Village, Cass County, $549,000; $61,000; 54.3; street improvements.

• Colon Village, St. Joseph County, $610,000; $135,000; 53.8; wastewater system improvements.

• Decatur Village, Van Buren County, $227,000; $26,000; 61; lift station and well improvements.

• Fennville City, Allegan County, $749,690; $748,700; 55.5; street and utility improvements.

• Hartford City, Van Buren County, $483,200; $67,800; 58.1; water improvements.

• Hopkins Village, Allegan County, $700,000; $300,000; 58; wastewater lagoon expansion.

• Lawrence Village, Van Buren County; $468,000; $52,000; 59.2; street improvements.