This year, the House Appropriations Committee launched a new initiative allowing Members of Congress to advocate for federal funding for 10 specific projects in their congressional districts.
After soliciting and reviewing proposals from across Livingston, Ingham, and North Oakland Counties, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin selected 10 out of the 58 submitted projects based on the following criteria: demonstration of a positive impact on the community, good use of taxpayer dollars, and broad support from the community.
The were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration and may be included in the annual spending bill Congress will vote on for the upcoming fiscal year. The process can be lengthy, and while funding cannot be guaranteed, Slotkin said she will fiercely advocate for federal funding for Michigan’s 8th district.
In addition to these community projects, Slotkin is advocating for direct federal funding for an additional 10 transportation infrastructure projects in Michigan’s 8th district, funded by the Surface Transportation bill, one of which is in Livingston County.
Here are the three Livingston County projects submitted to the House Appropriations Committee, as well as the Livingston County transportation project selected for funding in the Surface Transportation bill:
• Brighton Area Fire Authority
The Brighton Area Fire Authority submitted a request in the amount of $10,500,000 to fund the construction of a New Fire Authority Headquarters. The Authority notes that, due to its age and the repairs needed, the existing facility ‘no longer meets the needs of the Brighton community.’
The proposal for a new fire authority headquarters building has broad community support, including letters of support from state and local officials and business leaders and a unanimous Brighton Township resolution of support for their project application.
• Village of Pinckney
The Village of Pinckney’s submitted a request for $2 million for a multi-modal pathway and connectors project, which would create a “safe multi-use pathway along a high-traffic county road” connecting two schools, several subdivisions, Main Street, and trails.
This project has been a “community priority for years, primarily due to the lack of a safe walkway” and “high risk to pedestrians, bicyclists, and to vehicles as well” but also because of the “health benefits of walkable communities.”
The proposal has broad community support, including letters of support from school and local government officials.
• Village of Fowlerville
The Village of Fowlerville submitted a proposal in the amount of $6 million for a Water Treatment/Radium Removal Plant. The new water treatment/radium removal plant would address ‘current poor water quality, greatly reduced levels of radium and improve the community’s quality of life.’
The proposal has broad community support, including letters of support from the Livingston County Economic Development Council, the Fowlerville Local Development Finance Authority, and the Fowlerville Downtown Development Authority, as well as a village resolution of unanimous support.
• Livingston Essential Transportation Services Project
LETS submitted a transportation infrastructure project request for $150,570 to purchase replacement vehicles.
