Gov. Whitmer Awards $3 Million to Michigan Cities

LANSING – Today, during Economic Development Week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a total of $3 million is being awarded to fund infrastructure and public safety enhancements in 11 municipalities that will help move the municipality toward financial stability.

"Today's grants will help protect public safety and enhance infrastructure in nearly a dozen communities across Michigan," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for me and I want families feel safe at home in the streets. And as a governor focused on the kitchen-table issues, I want high-quality roads, bridges, and water infrastructure so people can get to where they need to go safely and have access to clean, safe drinking water. The projects being funded today will help us keep getting things done for our hardworking people and resilient communities. Together, we will protect public safety and improve infrastructure, building on our growing economic momentum as we keep moving Michigan forward."

For fiscal year 2022, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $2.5 million for the program, with a $500,000 carryover from the previous fiscal year. The Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program has a $2 million cap per municipality and grants are awarded based on applications submitted by the municipality.

"The Michigan Department of Treasury looks forward to working with our local partners to find projects that could help move a community toward financial stability," said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. "Our team will ensure these grants are provided to our local communities as expeditiously as possible."

The following communities will receive funding this year, with projects and amounts noted (alphabetical order):

Ecorse City

Public safety enhancement through installation of surveillance cameras and security doors

$132,604

Ecorse City

Public service enhancement through renovation of police center

$145,703

"The city of Ecorse would like to thank the Treasury office and the Governor's office for providing the City of Ecorse with the very needed grant funds so we can enhance our jail and the security of our City Hall." -- Lamar Tidwell, Mayor of the City of Ecorse

________________________

Hamtramck City

Public safety enhancement through installation of surveillance cameras and security doors

$195,800

"The City of Hamtramck appreciates the continuing support of the state of Michigan to ensure safety and security of our staff and public in our city facilities." -- Amer Ghalib, Mayor

________________________

Harper Woods City

Public safety enhancement through replacement of emergency generator

$205,970

"The City of Harper Woods is grateful for the FDCVT grant to purchase a "whole house" generator to power our City Hall during storm power outages due to fallen trees. Our residents love our tree city and managing our urban forest just got a little easier due to this grant." -- John Szymanski, Acting City Manager

________________________Highland Park City

Public safety enhancement through replacement of emergency generator

$118,260

"On behalf of the City of Highland Park community, we are grateful to the State of Michigan for awarding FDCVT funds for the purchase of a generator for the Recreation Center. The Recreation Center serves the community in many ways such as a Covid-19 testing and vaccination hub; it provides programs for seniors, youth and adults; and serves as a regional sheltering site for the American Red Cross. This generator allows for uninterrupted services and provides assurance to the community that they will have a place to go in the event of an emergency." -- Hubert Yopp, Mayor

________________________

Inkster City

Water system enhancement through replacement of fire hydrants

$145,000

Inkster City

Water system enhancement through replacement of water valves

$150,000

"The City of Inkster is very appreciative of the funding provided by the State of Michigan via the FDCVT grant program. These funds will allow us to complete projects that are critical to the operation of our city. We look forward to utilizing the awarded funds in a manner that will please our grantor and support our community residents." -- Darryl Greene, City Treasurer

____________________

Melvindale City

Public service enhancement through replacement of equipment

$452,609

Melvindale City

Public safety enhancement through replacement of patrol vehicles and equipment

$189,580

"The FDCVT award is great news! The State of Michigan (FDCVT grants) will assist the City of Melvindale with much needed funding for the Police Department and the Department of Public Works. These departments are two of the most vital to communities. The funding is far reaching and will serve all residents, businesses, employees and any visitors to Melvindale. The grants will allow the City to use its limited financial resources to provide other necessary services. On behalf of the City of Melvindale, thank you very much for the funding, assistance and cooperation." -- Richard Ortiz, City Administrator, Finance Director

________________________

Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program

Municipalities can participate in the FDCVT Grant Program if they are experiencing one or more conditions indicative of "probable financial stress" as outlined within state law. The grants fund specific projects, services, or strategies that move a city, village, or township toward financial stability.

Across Michigan, communities large and small continue to be challenged by the increased cost of maintaining and enhancing their critical infrastructure, as well as new threats posed by the increasingly

severe climate‐related weather events. To address these challenges and increase public safety for all Michigan residents, the Governor's Fiscal Year 2023 recommendation includes $276 million of one‐time general fund for investments to address critical infrastructure needs in our state's communities. This general fund is in addition to $578 million of new federal transportation and state restricted funding also included in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.