Michigan

In radio address, governor says we can no longer depend on industries that once were our bedrock

May 29, 2009 -- LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that Michigan's ongoing efforts in fostering the alternative energy sector and a green economy are more imperative than ever, given this week's particularly gloomy economic news.

"Michigan is going to lead a green industrial revolution in our nation," Granholm said. "We'll be a beacon that guides this country along the path to energy independence."    » read more »

May 28, 2009 -- WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced today that Michigan will receive $8,258,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) loans and grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The funding will help finance five water and sewer projects in Michigan.

“This federal economic recovery funding will help provide the resources these communities need to invest in critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure,” said Levin. “I am hopeful that these projects will help provide clean drinking water, safeguard Michigan’s environment and create good jobs at the same time.”    » read more »

May 28, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. today announced that $13.2 million in funding for rural transit agencies and rural intercity bus service from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) will be submitted to the Federal Transit Administration for approval. This funding represents Phase 1 of a two-part distribution of approximately $25 million for Michigan's rural passenger transportation system.    » read more »

May 28, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said that Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in finding solutions that will lead to the United States' energy independence, with a revamped auto industry being an integral part of that solution. The governor's remarks came during her address to the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual policy conference on Mackinac Island.    » read more »

Funds Made Available through the USDA’s Rural Development Program

May 22, 2009 -- WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI) announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $2,661,000 to the City of Manistique through the Rural Development Program. The city received $1,995,000 in grant funding and a $666,000 loan from USDA to improve the water treatment plant.

“This funding will help improve water quality for the Manistique area, ensuring that over 1,400 families have access to clean drinking water,” Stabenow said. “Not only will these improvements help keep Michigan families healthy, but it will also protect our environment.”    » read more »

Funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which passed earlier this year

May 22, 2009 -- WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI) announced today that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has been awarded $78,310,613 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding through the Department of Treasury. The funding will support the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing for low-income families and individuals throughout the state.    » read more »

May 22, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement on GMAC:

"I am heartened by yesterday's U.S. Treasury announcement on GMAC. It is yet another strong signal that our government is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the long-term viability of the U.S. auto industry.

"The announcement creates stability and certainty for both GM and Chrysler dealers and provides credit opportunities for people interested in buying new GM and Chrysler products.

"Coupled with yesterday's announcement by the UAW that it reached a tentative agreement with the Treasury Department and GM on contract and trust fund changes, this is positive news for the long-term viability of GM and Chrysler."

Source: Michigan Governor

In Memorial Day address, Governor says fallen ‘exemplify best our nation has to offer'

May 22, 2009 -- LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today asked the people of Michigan to remember the meaning and importance of Memorial Day and honor those armed forces members from Michigan who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"In the year since we last commemorated Memorial Day, 11 more members of our armed forces who called Michigan home died in Iraq or Afghanistan," Granholm said. "A total of 176 service men and women from Michigan have perished in these two wars."    » read more »

Goals are to create thousands of new green jobs, reduce oil dependence

May 21, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined 29 other governors in pledging to work with Congress to pass federal climate change legislation.

The bipartisan group of governors signed a document supporting a comprehensive federal policy that addresses energy and climate change and a strong state-federal partnership in implementing new policies.    » read more »

Homeowners, lenders will have extra time to work out new deal

May 21, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation that helps protect homeowners from foreclosure by providing an extra 90 days for them to work with their lender on modifying their mortgage loan.

"We are committed to protecting Michigan families and helping them keep their homes," said Granholm, who called for similar legislation in her 2009 State of the State address. "This new law delivers on that commitment by providing homeowners extra time and assistance to save their home and preserve their American Dream."

The new law takes effect in 45 days and:    » read more »

May 20, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has announced that two additional Michigan airports, Sawyer International Airport in Marquette and Muskegon County Airport, have been awarded a total of $2.5 million dollars in Recovery Act funds for projects to enhance safety and upgrade facilities.

Muskegon County Airport will receive $800,000 to purchase new aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, replacing aging and inoperable vehicles currently in their fleet. Sawyer International Airport will receive $1.7 million for construction of an airfield lighting vault, replacing a 50-year-old structure on the former Air Force base.    » read more »

May 19, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced Michigan's aggressive strategy to diversify the economy and attract investment to Michigan has resulted in 16 job-creating projects, which will generate more than 3,900 new jobs, retain another 360 and bring more than $103 million in new investment to communities across the state.

The projects include two auto suppliers diversifying into the high-tech medical and alternative energy sectors; an expansion by a company founded by former Pfizer employees; a start-up manufacturer of small-scale wind turbines; and a brownfield redevelopment that will transform an abandoned site into a new center of economic growth and activity.    » read more »

May 19, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on foreclosure legislation passed today by the Michigan Senate:

"I'm pleased the Legislature has given final approval to legislation that will protect Michigan homeowners by helping them stay in their homes. Nothing symbolizes the American Dream more than the family home, but for thousands of Michigan homeowners, that dream is being jeopardized by the looming threat of foreclosure.    » read more »

Rebates up to $4,500 would increase auto sales, boost auto industry jobs

May 18, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and 11 of her fellow governors today called on Congress to enact legislation that will provide consumers with financial incentives to recycle older vehicles and replace them with new, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles. The governors said legislation that would help the nation modernize its fleet of vehicles is crucial for the auto industry's recovery.    » read more »

County-by-County funding totals accessible online

May 18, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) has resulted in more than $3.8 billion in funding for Michigan projects and priorities in the 90 days since President Obama signed the act into law.

A new feature on the state's web site lists all funding recipients in each of Michigan's 83 counties at www.michigan.gov/recovery    » read more »