U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin today announced 15 projects in Michigan’s 7th District for which she’ll fight to secure federal funding through Congress’ annual spending bill. Slotkin successfully secured over $24 million in the FY23 budget to fund local projects in mid-Michigan.
“My top priority in selecting these 15 projects was to look for real solutions to the issues facing the communities across Michigan’s 7th District,” Slotkin said. “That includes building new affordable and mixed-use housing in Ingham County; upgrading water infrastructure in places like South Lyon and Grand Ledge; and – in response to the shooting at MSU and threats of gun violence throughout mid-Michigan – providing life-saving trauma-care kits to all K-12 classrooms in Eaton, Ingham, and Clinton counties, and upgrading the MSU Emergency Operations Center, the center of the law enforcement response to the shooting on campus.”
The projects were selected after a rigorous review process that incorporated historical and census data. These requests will be provided to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration in the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2024.
“This is the first step of a long process,” Slotkin said. “There are no guarantees, but I know the impact this funding would have for mid-Michigan, and my staff and I will be fighting for these projects at every step of the legislative process.”
To be selected, each request must be made by a state government, local government, or public higher education institution, and have an impact on Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. Requests must also demonstrate that the project has broad community support, would have significant community impact, and would be a wise and efficient use of taxpayer funds. It is required that Members of Congress certify that neither they, nor their immediate family, benefit financially from the projects they submit for consideration.
Throughout the selection process, Slotkin emphasized the importance of transparency, as well as equal access for governments big and small. Slotkin designated a full-time member of her staff to assist applicants throughout the application process.
Slotkin’s office received over 60 proposals and ultimately selected the following 15: The projects include 7 in Ingham County, 2 in Eaton County, 2 in Shiawassee County, 2 in Oakland County, 1 in Livingston County, and 1 in Clinton County.
Livingston County
Project Sponsor: Unadilla Township Fire Department
Requested Amount: $850,000 for fire engine pumper rescue apparatus
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: This project would purchase a fire engine/pumper/rescue apparatus to replace an unrepairable vehicle from 1995. This project will have a significant impact on the community for emergency responses to structure fires, vehicle fires, vehicle and personal injury accidents, farm emergencies, and mutual aid responses to our surrounding communities in Livingston, Washtenaw and Ingham counties. The replacement vehicle will act as the main response vehicle for the emergency calls mentioned.
Ingham County
Project Sponsor: Michigan State University
Requested Amount: $1,000,000 for Cyber Training for Law Enforcement
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Michigan State University has submitted a proposal to support cybercrime prevention and response across the state through its Cybercrimes Investigations and Training Center. This funding will allow the center to conduct trainings for local law enforcement agencies on contemporary cybercrime problems, offender and victim characteristics, investigative methods, and resources for victims. Michigan law enforcement entities will benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of the skills, resources, and tools necessary to respond to cybercrime effectively. Michigan businesses, individuals, and state and local governments will benefit from more effective investigations of cybercrimes and cyber-threats across the state. The proposal for the cyber training project has broad community support, including letters of support from the Michigan State Police Cyber Command Center and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Project Sponsor: Michigan State University
Requested Amount: $750,000 for Renovation of Emergency Facilities
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Michigan State University has submitted a proposal to improve its Emergency Operations Center (MSU-EOC), which conducts emergency management and preparedness activities for the East Lansing campus and its surrounding multi-jurisdictional areas.
The February 13, 2023, active violence incident (AVI), which claimed the lives of (3) three MSU students, reaffirmed multiple areas of improvement with the end-of-life equipment within the MSU-EOC. As an active participant and collaborative partner, the MSU-EOC requires renovations to continue leading or augmenting emergency management capabilities with East Lansing Police Department, East Lansing Fire Department, Lansing Police Department, Meridian Township Police Department, Ingham County Sheriff, and Michigan State Police. Renovating the MSU-EOC will help to ensure emergency management efforts are effectively supported during emergencies, disasters, and special events directly impacting Michigan State University or its surrounding areas.
The proposal for renovating the emergency operations center has broad community support, including letters of support from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan Police Legal Advisor Group.
Project Sponsor: Capital Region Airport Authority
Requested Amount: $8,100,000 for Terminal Building Design
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Capital Region Airport Authority has submitted a proposal to support the architectural and engineering (design) services for a terminal building project at the Capital Region International Airport (LAN). As an important economic engine for the Lansing region and the state of Michigan as a whole, a significant investment at LAN will benefit the community in numerous ways. The airport supports a wide range of industries, including tourism, manufacturing, cargo, agriculture, and more. In addition, the airport provides access to air transportation for both business and leisure travelers, which is essential for the continued growth and development of the region.
The proposal has broad community support, including letters of support from the Capital Area Transportation Authority, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Project Sponsor: Ingham County
Requested Amount: $1,760,000 for Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Ingham County is seeking funding to complete stormwater infrastructure improvements to minimize pollutants entering the Grand River Watershed through stormwater from an illicit connection point source adjacent to the Red Cedar River. To assess possible solutions to the stormwater runoff issues, the City of Lansing secured completion of a study that included recommendations to mitigate pollution from the stormwater runoff. These recommendations appear to be promising solutions to mitigating pollutants in stormwater runoff from entering the Red Cedar River. This project will improve the water quality of the Red Cedar River, a major tributary of the Grand River, which has a drainage basin of around 460 square miles, and encompasses portions of the Lansing and East Lansing metropolitan areas.
The proposal for stormwater infrastructure improvements has broad community support, including letters of support from the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, the Michigan Women’s Association, the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau, Michigan State University, and Berghorn Group, LLC.
Project Sponsor: City of Lansing
Requested Amount: $800,000 for Accessible Park Construction
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The City of Lansing has submitted a proposal to build a universally accessible playground, designed to promote inclusivity and the health and well-being of all children, including children with physical and developmental challenges. The project will create a completely barrier-free environment where all children, regardless of ability, can play side-by-side throughout the entire park. The playground-park will maximize inclusivity while promoting the healthy development of all children for generations to come. The proposal for the park construction project has broad community support, including letters of support from the Lansing School District, Capital Area Transportation Authority, Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Project Sponsor: City of Lansing
Requested Amount: $5,000,000 for Corridor Revitalization
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The City of Lansing has submitted a proposal to reverse decades of underdevelopment along Michigan Avenue, an iconic Lansing corridor. The project will fund infrastructure investments to reconfigure a roadway for public transportation, buffered bike lanes to enhance safety, and bus shelters. This additional investment would make traveling along the entire corridor by any means – car, public transit, biking, or foot – more efficient.
The proposal for the corridor revitalization project has broad community support, including letters of support from the Capital City Labor Program, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Mikey 23 Foundation, Peckham Incorporated, and the Capital Area Transportation Authority.
Project Sponsor: City of Leslie
Requested Amount: $4,000,000 for Truckline Sewer Rehabilitation
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The project consists of rehabilitating a major truckline sewer feeding the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to drastically reduce the amount of surface/groundwater being unnecessarily treated at the WWTP during wet weather periods. The impact of this project, by sustaining a vital and critical public infrastructure/resource, will touch the life of every person who enters within or around the City of Leslie. Local businesses, visitors, and residents alike will have reliable and continued service.
The proposal for the rehabilitation project has broad community support, including letters of support from the Leslie Public Schools, Maple Grove Properties, Capital Area District Libraries, Friends of Leslie Library, Homestead Savings Bank, Leslie Area Chamber of Commerce, Leslie First Baptist Church, and the Leslie Area Historical Society.
Project Sponsor: Meridian Charter Township
Requested Amount: $7,500,000 for Affordable Housing and Mixed-Use Development
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Meridian Charter Township has submitted a proposal to construct an affordable housing and mixed-use development project. The approved development will create 26,399 square feet of commercial space and hundreds of new residential housing units, many of which will be formally designated for affordable use for at least 5-10 years.
The project will increase the tax base and provide highly needed affordable housing for the community. The township has committed to benchmarks related to the number and duration of affordable units, which have been formally approved in a public township resolution. The proposal for the affordable housing and mixed-use development project has broad community support, including letters of support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Capital Region Airport Authority, and the Meridian Economic Development Corporation. Eaton County
Project Sponsor: Charlotte Police Department
Requested Amount: $720,000 for Lifesaving Training and Equipment
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Charlotte Police Department has submitted a proposal to provide life-saving trauma care kits to all K-12 classrooms within Eaton, Ingham, & Clinton counties that do not currently have them. These kits will include shears, tourniquets, bandages, and other medical supplies that are critical in responding to active violence incidents. Teachers and students would be trained in the use of these kits to ensure care is provided immediately, in advance of first responders arriving on-scene. The proposal will also provide trauma care (MCI) bags & entry equipment (breaching kits) to all local law enforcement patrol vehicles to use during active violence incidents.
The acts of violence at Michigan State University, Oxford High School, and schools across the country highlight the need for increased community preparedness and resources for first responders. This project is a good use of taxpayer dollars as it will provide our schools and law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to effectively respond to trauma or crisis inside classrooms. The proposal has broad community support, including letters of support from the Charlotte Police Department, Eaton County Sheriff, Grand Ledge Fire Department, Eaton Rapids Police Department, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Superintendents of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.
Project Sponsor: City of Grand Ledge
Requested Amount: $17,275,000 for Wastewater and Sewage Construction
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: Over 10,000 residents and businesses within the City and portions of Eagle Township, Clinton County, and Oneida Charter Township, Eaton County depend on the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Sanitary Sewer (SS) system to function well and not negatively impact environmental health and safety. Taxpayers have realistic expectations that their WWTP and SS systems will support their homes and/or businesses without a detrimental impact on the environment. The City must ensure taxpayers receive the same or better level of municipal critical infrastructure services and provide ample opportunity to grow the tax base with new residents and businesses while supporting a healthy community and environment. The proposal for a wastewater and sewage construction project has broad community support, including letters of support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Environment, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Oneida Charter Township, and the Grand Ledge Chamber.
Shiawassee County
Project Sponsor: City of Durand
Requested Amount: $1,000,000 for Accessible Park Rehabilitation
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The City of Durand has submitted a proposal to bring its most centrally-located park into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This project seeks to install ADA compliant sidewalks, create angled parking along an adjacent street, connect portions of the park with sidewalk, rehabilitate the bathroom building to allow for ADA access, replace light fixtures that have become a safety concern, buy new site furniture to be inclusive for all users, and most importantly be accessible to everyone. The proposal for the accessible park rehabilitation has broad community support, including letters of support from the Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, Durand Railroad Days, the Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce, Durand Area Chicken Barbeque Committee, and the Shiawassee Council on Aging.
Project Sponsor: City of Owosso
Requested Amount: $12,500,000 for Construction of a Public Safety Building
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The City of Owosso is seeking funding for the construction of a new Public Safety building to replace the current building constructed in 1968. The City of Owosso has an incredibly dedicated team of men and women in our police and fire departments who put the community first every day. The current Public Safety building has serious problems that put critical public safety personnel, equipment and our community at risk. Emergency personnel require a safe, reliable, and energy-efficient home base. The allocation of taxpayer dollars for this purpose will benefit the residents of Owosso and surrounding areas for many generations.
The proposal for the public safety building has broad community support, including letters of support from the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, Memorial Healthcare, and Owosso Public Schools.
Oakland County
Project Sponsor: Charter Township of Lyon
Requested Amount: $8,000,000 for Sewer and Utility Improvements
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Charter Township of Lyon has submitted a proposal to upgrade water infrastructure under Milford Road. The drainage improvements are necessary to support the Southeast Ring Road project, which will serve one of the fastest growing townships in the entire State of Michigan. The Southeast Ring Road project will provide traffic congestion relief and connectivity along the main roads of Grand River Avenue and Milford Road, and a truck route for the industrial zoned corridor. The completion of the ring road also makes additional land available for commercial, residential, and recreational use in the area. This project will benefit thousands of property owners, whose properties drain to the New Hudson Drain, as well as the public at-large with the extension of public water main, sanitary sewer, and the construction of the Southeast Ring Road.
The proposal for the sewer and utility improvement project has broad community support, including letters of support from Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Road Commission of Oakland County, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and Main Street Oakland County.
Project Sponsor: Milford Police Department
Requested Amount: $160,800 for Training and Equipment
Recipient explanation of request and justification for why it is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds: The Milford Police Department has submitted a proposal to equip police officers with both body-worn and in-car cameras, and to establish a de-escalation training program. The goal of this project is to help assure the public that the Milford Police Department is operating a professional, well-intentioned and well-trained department, with the latest technology for transparency. This project will help strengthen community trust in the Department and is an opportunity to focus on issues important to the taxpayers.
The proposal has broad community support, including letters of support from a Township Trustee for the Township of Milford and the 52nd Judicial District-1st Division District Court. Clinton County.
