Recovery Act funded grants go to prevent homelessness in Oakland County by creating a public-private partnership with the Salvation Army.  “Two nonprofit agencies are ready to dole out $500,000 of federal funds to help people facing eviction stay in their homes and to get those who already have lost the roofs over their heads into new housing.  Residents and anyone who works in Royal Oak are eligible for the aid which originated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and has been funneled through a grant to the federal Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program and then to the city… ‘People are turning to us for emergency food, utility assistance and medical help because they have lost their insurance.  We don’t cover doctor visits, but we can help with prescriptions.’  Joe Murphy, a city planner, said Royal Oak has distributed all but about $10,000 of the federal funds it received to help people eligible for Section 8 with rent subsidies.  The federal grant was administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which received $1.5 billion of stimulus money to prevent homelessness, help individuals re-enter the labor market more quickly, and prevent the further destabilization of neighborhoods.” [The Daily Tribune, 7/26/10]

 

Recovery Act Funds 50 New Clean Energy Jobs Across Michigan.  “Today the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) announced a grant funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Great Lakes Industry, Inc.  (GLI), of Jackson, Michigan. This funding will allow GLI to immediately extend its capabilities into the manufacture of utility-grade wind turbine gears, and will position GLI to assemble and distribute wind gearboxes in the future.  The project is expected to create 50 new clean energy jobs in Jackson and retain another 50 jobs.  ‘The investment of Recovery Act funds right here in Jackson will not only help revitalize the local community, but fills a much-needed gap in Michigan’s renewable energy industry,’ said Congressman Mark Schauer.  ‘Larry Schultz, President of Great Lakes Industry, has identified the lack of gearbox or large gear production in the United States, with none currently in Michigan.  Today’s investment will build our capacity to produce these parts right here in Michigan, and bring more jobs to Jackson for years to come.  Over 85% of wind gearboxes and related gears were imported in 2008 and 2009.  GLI received $2,000,000 in grants and $500,000 in loan funding through the Clean Energy Advanced Manufacturing (CEAM) Renewable Energy Systems grant program, the funding for which was provided under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act…” [Big News MI, 6/27/10]

 

The City Of Fort Michigan Has Celebrated The Completion Of Recovery Act Stimulus-Funded Upgrades To The Rainbow Bridge Recreation Area.  “Fort Morgan city officials, with an assist from a local youth baseball team, cut the ribbon Saturday on improvements to the area around the historic Rainbow Bridge.  The local landmark recently had a facelift completed to its southern approach, including a walkway made of paving stones, information signage, lampposts similar to those on the bridge, landscaping and other amenities.  Mayor Terry McAlister, Fort Morgan City Council members Scott Bryan and Lyn Deal, City Manager Pet Merrill and Municipal Engineer Brad Curtis were on hand for the ribbon cutting.  …. The grants received for the project included $140,000 each from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The city put in $35,000.  TST of Fort Collins designed the project, with Mill Brothers of Fort Collins providing landscaping design and Mountain Construction Inc. of Platteville serving as general contractor.  The project was completed in May, taking less than the 45 days scheduled, city officials said. The bridge was constructed in 1922 to replace a timber bridge across the South Platte River that was constructed in 1890.” [The Fort Michigan Times, 6/28/10]

  

Michigan Manufacturers Have Been Selected To Receive Recovery Act Grants Designed To Bolster Renewable Energy Technology, Which Is Expected To Add Several Hundred Jobs Over The Next 3 To 5 Years.  “Three small West Michigan manufacturers were among nine selected statewide to receive federal grants and loans totaling $20 million as ‘seed’ money to nurture the development and manufacture of clean energy products, a growth industry Michigan is trying to foster to diversify its auto-intense economy.  The share to West Michigan companies totaled nearly $4.2 million in grants and loans.  Heat Transfer International (HTI) of Kentwood, Innotec Inc. of Zeeland, and Polar Seal Window Corp. of Grand Rapids, were selected from among 40 applicants statewide to share in federal monies available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  ‘In Michigan, we're the only company that's designing and manufacturing biomass power systems and one of only two or three in the United States,’ Prouty says.  The biomass gasification systems transform waste materials, such as farm manure, sewer sludge, paper or wood remnants (forest slash) into a gas that powers a turbine to create electricity.   The grant will allow HTI, which has 20 employees, to purchase machinery to build its own alternative energy systems instead of relying on other companies -- many outside the state -- for help in making the final product. It will also give HTM greater control over the manufacture and quality of its biomass systems and allow its engineers to bring the final product to market faster.  Prouty expects HTI's influx of federal stimulus funds to allow it to hire from between 60 to 100 employees over the next five years, many of them highly paid engineers, CAD designers and skilled trade workers.” [Rapid Growth Media, 7/1/10] 

 

Congressman Dingell And the Department Of Labor Announced The Release Of Recovery Act Funds That Will Help Retrain Over 8,600 Displaced Workers In Green Collar Industries.  “… Today the U.S. Department of Labor will be releasing the second increment of the three National Emergency Grants (NEGs) awarded to Michigan last September.  The second increment, $19,016,800, will be used to help more than 8,600 dislocated workers receive training in growing, high-demand industries in Michigan, including health care, technical consulting, solar manufacturing, among others.   ‘I am extremely pleased that the Department of Labor has released the second $19 million in NEGs to Michigan today.  Workers in Michigan are talented and dedicated to turning Michigan’s economy around, but they cannot do so without new opportunities… ‘With more than 120,000 displaced workers having participated in job training through No Worker Left Behind, it is clear the program has been wildly successful and is in high demand.  It is my sincere hope that the Department of Labor will continue to help Michigan build on this program’s success by ensuring the State has enough funding to complete training for those waitlisted and enrolled for 2011.’   In total, the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth has received $38,033,600 in NEGs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  This funding was targeted to displaced workers from the automotive industry in three regions in Michigan…” [WJBK News, 6/22/10]

 

Vice-President Biden Spoke At The Groundbreaking Of An Expansion At Dow Kokam, Where Recovery Act Dollars Have Generated Over 1,000 Construction Jobs And Are Expected To Produce Over 800 Permanent Green Collar Jobs Upon Completion. “….  Biden said stories like Still's are exactly why the $161 million investment the government made in Dow Kokam as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working.  …  With the potential to provide lithium ion batteries to a number of markets around the globe, Biden said the movement toward clean energy is a movement toward a new American economy.   ‘It's real now,’ she said.  ‘This is something that has been talked about for a while, and it's good for Midland, Dow, the region and the state.’  Dow Kokam will bring roughly 800 ‘green-collar’ advanced manufacturing jobs to Midland once the facility is up and running.  The first wave of hiring for sales and marketing officials has already begun, according to Dow Kokam commercial vice president Chuck Reardon.  Governor Jennifer Granholm was also on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony.  She said that in the past year, 16 advanced battery manufacturers have been ‘lured’ to the state.  In the next decade, those manufacturers are expected to create 62,000 jobs, including supply chain positions.” [Michigan Live, 6/22/10]  

 

Up To 45 New Jobs Will Likely Come To Van Buren County With The Recent Authorization Of Federal Recovery Act Bonds For Frozen Blueberry And Cranberry Processing Plants.  “Forty-five new jobs may be coming to Van Buren County after the county board Tuesday authorized issuing up to $12 million in federal Recovery Zone Bonds for a frozen blueberry and cranberry processing plant.  Great Lakes Capital Development LLC, of South Bend, Ind., is looking at building a 94,600-square-foot facility on Second Avenue in the South Haven industrial park.  It would ‘provide the ability to process berries from over 60 farms located throughout the county,’ said Edward VanderVries, county economic development director.   The facility would have 54,000 square feet of freezer space that can hold 15.1 million pounds of fruit, according to the company’s application, and it would generate about $188,000 in personal and property taxes.  ‘Probably the best part is we're creating 45 new jobs,’ VanderVries said…” [Michigan Live, 6/24/10]

 

Ford Will Add Over 170 New Jobs In Detroit With Aid Of Recovery Act Stimulus Funds To Concentrate On Hybrid Vehicles.  “Two Ford Motor Co factories near Detroit will see 170 additional blue-collar jobs in the next two years as the automaker brings battery pack and gas-electric hybrid transmission assembly to the United States.  Ford said Monday it will invest US$135 million by 2012 at factories in Ypsilanti Township and Sterling Heights, Michigan, to design, engineer and produce components for its next generation of hybrids and fully electric vehicles.  About half the investment comes from a federal grant.  The Ypsilanti factory, which now makes auto parts, will get US$10 million of investment to build battery packs, creating about 40 new jobs.  The packs are now assembled by Delphi Corp. in Mexico. …. The Sterling Heights transmission factory will get a US$125 million investment and 130 new jobs to build the continuously variable hybrid transmissions now built in Japan…” [Jamaica Observer, 5/26/10]

 

Plymouth Company Loc Performance Products Won Recovery Act Stimulus Grant To Build Parts For Wind Turbines, Saving Or Creating 90 Jobs At Loc. “….  Several companies, including Canton Township-based Danotek Motion Technologies, Sterling Heights-based MAG Industrial Automation Systems and Ventower in Monroe, are working on research and development to prepare to build next-generation blades, turbines, towers, generators, gearboxes and other components.  Other Michigan companies in the wind supply chain that are predicting sales and employment increases are Loc Performance Products in Plymouth, Cole Manufacturing Systems in Rochester, Diversified Tooling Group in Madison Heights and Lansing-based Astraeus Wind Energy… Chad Darr, Loc Performance's director of advanced engineering, said the Taylor-based company will use a $1.5 million federal stimulus grant to build pitch and yaw systems for large wind turbines. The systems control the position for the blade and for the direction the windmill is facing, he said.  ‘What we manufacture directly overlaps with the pitch and yaw drives on the windmills,’ Darr said.  ‘With the tight credit market, we are not where we want to be with the design work.’  Loc Performance, which makes gearboxes for military vehicles, expects wind farms to generate a significant amount of new business for the company over the next several years.  ‘Our long-term plan is to capture $18.7 million in annual sales providing pitch and yaw geared drive systems,’ Darr said.  ‘We are targeting industrial-sized turbines in the 1.5 megawatt capacity or larger, both offshore and land based.’  Darr said growth will help to create or save 90 jobs at Loc.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 5/30/10]

 

Ford Announced It Is Partnering With Coulomb Technologies To Join A Program, Made Possible By The Recovery Act, To Provide Free Charging Stations To Nearly 4,600 Of Its First Electric Vehicle Customers In Nine Designated Markets Around The Country.  “…. Under the program, residents, businesses and municipalities in nine designated markets could receive a free charging station with the purchase of a Ford Transit Connect Electric van.  Under the program, residents, businesses and municipalities in nine designated markets could receive a free charging station with the purchase of a Ford Transit Connect Electric van.    The nine markets designated by Coulomb Technologies include: Austin, Texas; Detroit; Los Angeles; New York; Orlando; Sacramento, Calif.; the San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Redmond, Wash., and Washington, D.C…The program is part of Coulomb Technologies’ $37-million project that was made possible by a $15-million grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the stimulus bill.” [Detroit Free Press, 6/2/10]

 

 Otsego County Uses Recovery Act Funds To Provide 60 Summer Jobs To Disadvantaged Youth.  “The local ‘Youth Employment Success Program’ (YES) was honored recently by Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.  YES was a recipient of Goodwill’s ‘Power of Inspiration Award,’ given to exceptional agencies that have worked with Goodwill to change lives for the better.  The Otsego County YES program facilitated employment for 60 low-income youth, ages 16-24, at 15 nonprofit work sites last summer.  Its purpose was to teach transferable skills that could lead to employment in the private sector.  … The YES program was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with a grant provided by the Northeast Michigan Consortium to North Central Michigan College (NCMC).  NCMC also provided a team member, Kim Jones, to the Otsego County program to handle the extensive documentation and reporting.  Local Yes team members, Mary Backlund, Sally Bosley and Mary Lou Lisuk, worked in the field preparing and placing the 60 youth and then supervising them in their job placements.  These same team members work with at-risk youth during the school year.” [Gaylord Herald Times, 6/8/10]

 

Although costs have forced Grant Township to table other roadwork, Recovery Act is funding Beaverton road improvement project, currently underway.   “With unanimous board approval Tuesday evening, Grant Township will ask for state approval to contract with Isabella County for plumbing and mechanical inspections.  Under old business,… road improvements in the township were tabled due to the high cost… Road Commissioner Dick Haynak said the average cost for repair and repaving is $70,000 per mile… Haynak said he wanted to let the public know once again that the improvement project underway on Beaverton Road is not funded through the township or county.  The project is funded with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds (stimulus money).  Board members said they had been receiving calls from residents who thought the township and county were funding the improvements.”  [Clare County Review, 5/14/10]

 

President Obama praised the Recovery Act for creating jobs at lithium-ion battery producer, A123, and hosted two new employees at the White House.  “Four months ago, Nino Biundo and Jim Fenton were engineers looking for work, sending hundreds of résumés out and hearing back only a brutal silence.  On Friday, the two men stood in the Rose Garden of the White House as President Barack Obama hailed their new jobs with hybrid vehicle battery maker A123 Systems in Livonia as proof of a recovering economy -- even as he acknowledged the millions of workers who have not been so fortunate. … A 12-year veteran of the auto industry, Biundo was laid off by Roush Industries in December.  ‘I was trying to find a job, spending four and five hours a day on the Internet, sending out résumés every day,’ he said.  Fenton said it was frustrating when he didn't hear back from employers.  He was laid off after 25 years at a technology firm in Oregon.  Both men landed contract work at A123 through friends in the auto industry.  After the company won a $249-million grant from the Obama administration's recovery act, they were hired full-time.  Obama said the grants would eventually allow A123 to add more than 3,000 workers by the end of 2012 to build lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles.”  [Detroit Free Press, 5/1/10]

 

Road construction funded by the Recovery Act will begin on North Centerville Road and West Lafayette Street in Sturgis.  “Starting early next week (week of May 3rd), work begins in earnest on the reconstruction of North Centerville Road from West Lafayette Street north to the Sturgis city limits.  Work will include pulverizing the existing pavement, reshaping the pulverized material as the new road base, and laying new pavement.  The project is funded through the State of Michigan’s Small Urban Grant Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, more commonly known as stimulus funding.  Funding from the State and Federal government amounts to $425,500 and covers 86 percent of the project’s construction costs, with the City responsible for the project engineering costs and the remaining construction costs.  Pulverization and shaping on the road is scheduled to begin next Monday (May 3rd), and the project is scheduled to be completed by May 28th.  A detour route is in place that takes north-bound traffic east on West Lafayette to North Clay, north to Memorial Drive, east to North Nottawa, then north to Wait Road.  South-bound traffic should use the reverse route.  During construction North Centerville will be open to local traffic, allowing access to Kirsch Municipal Airport and businesses located along this stretch of North Centerville.”  [WLKM, 4/30/10]

 

A Wayne State University researcher received a Recovery Act grant to study DNA, brain pathways to find new treatments for developmental diseases.  “A Wayne State University researcher is investigating whether a brain pathway responsible for language development can be used as a biomarker that distinguishes intellectually and developmentally disabled children from those who are experiencing an atypical course of development and will later catch up to their peers.  Senthil Sundaram, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and neurology in WSU’s School of Medicine and the Positron Emission Tomography Center of Children’s Hospital of Michigan, received $816,541 for the five-year study. … with the first two years of funding allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the federal stimulus… Despite many comprehensive diagnostic studies on the topic, there is currently no biomarker that can distinguish between IDD children and AC children… If the speech pathway proves to be a biomarker, IDD could be diagnosed at an earlier age and may be subject to new methods of treatment.”  [WWJ News Radio, 4/28/10]

 

Michigan State University received Recovery Act funds for research on the ecology of plankton as well as galaxies with black holes.  “There was an $835,000 Michigan State University study on the ecology of plankton, a $440,000 University of Michigan study on galaxies with black holes and a $322,000 Eastern Michigan University study on languages of the Arctic.  All were paid for by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — the federal stimulus program that Congress approved in 2009 to help jump-start the economy.  While shovel-ready construction jobs got most of the media attention, there was $3 billion given out by the National Science Foundation to support academic research as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act… One University of Michigan researcher, who had a $78,400 salary in 2009 according to U-M records, received a $440,112 grant courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Her study? She will look at galaxies that harbor supermassive black holes at their centers.  U-M spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the grant covered the four years' worth of expenses for the researcher and an assistant.”  [Michigan Capital Confidential, 4/23/10]

  

Low-interest Recovery Act bonds awarded to Jackson Public Schools could reduce property taxes in the school district by around $50 per year.  “Taxpayers in Jackson Public Schools could see their expected property tax increase decline by $50 per year now that the district has gained approval of low-interest bonds through the federal stimulus package.  The Jackson School Board this week authorized $15 million in low-interest bonds on the $16.6 million tax proposal for building and ground improvements that voters approved last November… But if projections materialize, the owner of a $100,000 home with a $50,000 taxable value would have to pay about $50 per year on the bond issue, Hannon said.  That compares to $100 per year that the same taxpayer would have paid had the district not received the lower interest rate.  The district also should be able to pay off the bonds within 15 years instead of the expected 25 years, Hannon said.  Jackson Public Schools officials learned March 31 that the district had been approved for $15 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Qualified School Construction Bonds from the federal government.  The remaining $1.6 million in bonds to pay for the project will come from Jackson County-approved federal economic development bonds that also are a product of the stimulus package.”  [Jackson Citizen Patriot, 4/21/10]

 

Onaway and Bergland Township will receive Recovery Act funds for road improvement and construction projects that will create more than 20 jobs.  “Two Northern Michigan communities are getting some federal help to finance several projects that are expected to bring new jobs to the area.  U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak, (D-Menominee) announced the city of Onaway and Bergland Township in Ontonagon County received grants and a loan totaling more than $1.35 million dollars to upgrade community facilities.  The projects are expected to create 22 jobs in northern Michigan.  The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)… The city of Onaway received a $100,000 grant to be used to improve road safety issues.  Two jobs will be created as a result of this grant.  Bergland Township in Ontonagon County received a $192,000 grant and a loan for $1,065,000 to build a new community facility.  The building will house the offices for Bergland Township, fire department equipment and records and a community center for holding large meetings, community activities and voting.  Funding for this project will create 22 jobs.”  [Up North Live, 4/16/10]

  

Michigan Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing 10.2 miles of U.S. 127 this week thanks to Recovery Act funding.  “A 10.2-mile resurfacing project on U.S. 127 from Hudson to the Ohio border is to begin Thursday, April 15, the Michigan Department of Transportation has announced.  The $7.3 million project is to also include guardrail upgrades, intersection improvements and drainage work… American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds are being used to finance the project.  Construction and resurfacing projects on Interstate 94 and U.S. 127 in Jackson County announced last week by MDOT are to begin this week.”  [The Daily Telegram, 4/13/10]

  

Bloomingdale Communications Inc. received a Recovery Act loan to expand broadband service to the state’s rural areas.  “When a company makes an investment in a community, and manages to get the folks in Lansing and Washington, D.C., to support an expansion to serve an even greater community, it's a big deal.  When that support comes in the form of $8.2 million... it's a really big deal!  So, when local telephone-internet-video provider, Bloomingdale Communications, Inc., announced the company's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act broadband loan/grant application to build out portions of Van Buren County with ‘Fiber to the Home’ services was approved, BCI made a big deal about it… ‘This project is going to provide 1,450 homes with broadband services of up to 20MB within the next two years, and up to 100MB in the future.  ‘In addition, the project is going to create 3,315 man days of work,’ Bahnson added.  ‘So, not only will we be putting people back to work, we're putting Van Buren County on the map in terms of high tech service availability.’”  [The Courier-Leader, 4/12/10]

 

Recovery Act helped fund home weatherization projects in Pontiac, coordinated by the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency.  “Al-Lishia Jackson wore layers of clothing and bundled up with thick blankets nightly to ward off the cold in her Pontiac home this winter, but as contractors worked to weatherize her house Thursday, she said she already could feel a difference.  ‘It used to be very cold and drafty, but it's a lot warmer now,’ said Jackson, 31, as contractors installed insulation Thursday.  Her home is to receive about $3,800 in renovations and supplies when work is completed this month.  Jackson's home is one of about 1,683 in Oakland and Livingston counties that are being weatherized with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds issued to the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency last year… Since 1976, the Pontiac-based agency has offered a weatherization program to help low-income or disabled residents, but the stimulus funds allowed officials to offer the service to more residents.  The agency spends an average of $3,800 on each home.  Recipients receive energy-efficient light bulbs, showerheads and vouchers for reducing heating bills.”  [Detroit Free Press, 4/9/10]

 

Michigan’s non-urban transit system used Recovery Act funds to purchase an intelligent transportation system, and fund operational assistance. “Michigan’s non-urban transit agencies and rural intercity bus service, will share $12.4 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants.  The funding represents Phase 2 of a two-part distribution of approximately $25 million to benefit Michigan’s rural and small city bus passengers.  In Kalamazoo, that means $59,590 of federal money to spend on operational assistance in the Metro County Connect service. … In the first phase of the ARRA funding distribution, Metro Transit received $3.1 million that was used to purchase an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).  According to information released by the department, the ITS system combines technologies such as automatic vehicle location, schedule adherence, vehicle safety sensors, automatic stop announcements, real-time bus arrival and departure information at major stops and online, back up cameras and sensors, and system monitoring that alerts of potential vehicle failures before they happen.”  [Kalamazoo Shopper, 3/31/10]

 

Schoolcraft County Public Transit System purchased two new buses and upgraded its dispatch system with Recovery Act funding.  “Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the Schoolcraft County Public Transit (SCPT) is making big upgrades to its operations and equipment.  According to Director John Stapleton, the SCPT just purchased two new buses with government funding and will receive more than $50,000 in ARRA funds.  ‘Our agency didn't ask for anything in round one of the stimulus, but in round two our agency asked for the $13,500 in energy improvements, which we were awarded,’ said Stapleton.  ‘We got $15,000 for operations and $25,000 for computerized dispatch.’  Despite the fact the central dispatch building is a fairly new construction, Stapleton noted a recent energy audit revealed some issues to address.  He said the audit found that on exterior lighting alone, $600 a year is being spent… ARRA funds will also be used for an upgraded dispatch system.  According to Stapleton, the system upgrade is overdue and needed.  ‘Our current dispatch is basically the same way we were doing it 30 years ago, which is, handwritten on a piece of paper,’ he said.”  [The Daily Press, 3/30/10]

 

Benzie Transportation Authority will receive Recovery Act funding to purchase eight new buses and renovate its new administrative offices.  “Benzie Bus received nearly $3 million in federal appropriations, with a large chunk from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Locals gathered Wednesday to celebrate the purchase of eight new buses and planned renovation and expansion of the former Heller Signs building in Beulah that soon will house the administrative offices.  ‘It's good timing for the stimulus funds,’ said Ingemar Johansson, Benzie Bus board chairman.  ‘There's a great need for this thing.’  Three 15-passenger buses have arrived, and the other five buses are expected within months.  Drivers soon can park the buses inside the building rather than leave them outside… Anne Noah shares a vehicle with her daughter, which often makes for some difficult travel arrangements.  But when Noah's daughter needs the vehicle for the day, she hops aboard the Benzie Bus to get to and from work… ‘For me, the bus means independence,’ said local rider Sarah Piersma.  ‘Without the Benzie Bus, I don't know what I'd do.’  Benzie Bus employs nearly 40 people and provides about 7,000 rides a month.”  [Traverse City Record-Eagle, 3/25/10]

 

The Recovery Act will improve the energy-efficiency of 19 Muskegon County-owned buildings.  “The large-scale, multimillion-dollar energy-efficiency project for 19 Muskegon County-owned buildings has received a financial boost.  The county was awarded a grant of more than a half-million dollars to help pay for the improvements that are designed to reduce fossil fuel emissions and total energy use.  The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Multi-purpose Block Grant for $537,945 comes from federal money distributed by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.  The federal money is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly called the stimulus package.  County commissioners gave their initial approval last week during a committee meeting to accept and authorize Administrator Bonnie Hammersley to sign the grant agreement… Among the many improvement projects to the various buildings are replacing the boiler in the Oak Avenue building, retrofits for water conservation in multiple facilities and installation of roof-top wind turbines at the Hall of Justice.  The improvements are expected to save the county money.  The preliminary estimated savings are $7 million over 20 years.” [Muskegon Chronicle, 3/22/10]

 

Three small transit agencies received Recovery Act funds to renovate facilities and purchase additional vehicles.  “St. Joseph, Van Buren and Barry counties were among 13 recipients in the latest round of federal stimulus dollars going to small transit agencies, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.  The three agencies received almost $250,000 combined.  The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority scored $110,121 for five projects… Van Buren County is receiving $80,000 for a facility renovation and Barry County is getting $48,000 to purchase an expansion minivan.  The Federal Recovery Act made a total of $524,000 Flex Funds grant to small transit agencies in 13 counties to upgrade the overall condition of the rural transit fleet, said the Michigan Department of Transportation.  The grants enable bus agencies to purchase items needed to provide services and keep operations running efficiently. Purchases will include maintenance equipment, computers, vehicles, tires, bike racks and surveillance equipment.  The projects were selected at the local level, involving road, transit and local governments. The funding grants required no match from the local system or from the state of Michigan.” [Kalamazoo Gazette, 3/22/10]

 

$3.1 million Recovery Act loan enables Cheboygan to create or save 47 jobs while making improvements to the water system.  “U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced the city of Cheboygan has received a $3.1 million loan to make water system improvements.  In addition, 47 jobs will be created or retained as a result of the funding.  The loan was provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program, as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  ‘This investment of stimulus dollars into Cheboygan will improve the city’s infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water, while creating and saving jobs in the community,’ Stupak said.  ‘I appreciate the continued efforts of the USDA to provide Northern Michigan’s rural areas with critical funding.  Projects like this put people to work today, and strengthen the city’s ability to provide services, such as water delivery systems, for years to come.’  The city of Cheboygan will use the loan to replace outdated water lines in order to increase water quality and improve fire safety in the community.” [The Michigan News, 3/20/10]

 

Michigan Technological University will use $650, 000 in Recovery Act funds to reduce Ash tree mortality and slow Emerald Ash borer invasion.    “Michigan Technological University has received $650,000 in federal stimulus funding to support a pilot project to reduce ash tree mortality in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  The project, called SLAM (SLow Ash Mortality), is designed to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer and protect the UP’s ash trees.  The emerald ash borer, an invasive species from Asia, has been discovered in Michigan – including Houghton County – and threatens at least 15 species of native ash.  Michigan Tech will work with Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the US Forest Service and the US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on the project.  Total American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the project is $2.2 million.  The work will be done in five counties: Houghton, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Delta and Schoolcraft.  Andrew Storer, a forest insect ecologist at Michigan Tech, said that SLAM will create or maintain 38 full- and part-time jobs, including 9 in Michigan Tech’s portion of the project.” [Michigan Tech News, 3/17/10]

 

$538,000 Recovery Act grant pays for Mid-Michigan community bus improvements to make them energy efficient and quiet.   “Transit agencies in Bay City, Battle Creek and Saginaw will add green technology to several buses in their fleet, thanks to a $538,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) grant for small, urban systems, said the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)… They now have funding for a total of 19 mini-Hybrid Thermal conversion kits that are turning full-sized buses into more fuel-saving, quieter rides for passengers. … The mini-Hybrid conversion increases fuel economy by 3 to 10 percent, eliminates the use of hydraulic fluids, reduces maintenance costs and lessens curb noise from the bus.  The fuel savings alone can amount to as much as $2,000 per bus annually… EMP conducted 7 million miles of testing on pilots buses across the nation before the system was installed in Michigan.  Since early 2009, more than 1,000 mini-Hybrid Thermal Systems have been installed on transit buses across North America. …. The Recovery Act-funded project was initiated by MDOT.” [Connect Mid-Michigan, 3/15/10]

 

Michigan’s schools receive $430 million in Recovery Act funding to enhance education reform efforts.  “Michigan is due to get nearly $430 million in stimulus money for schools, the Department of Education announced Thursday.  The state has received $2.77 billion in money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in a statement that Michigan won the money by providing data on successful educational reforms.  According to the Michigan Recovery Office, the state agency charged with overseeing the state's spending of federal stimulus dollars, the funding announced Thursday by the Department of Education is the final third of $1.3 billion that has kept more than 9,000 teachers in the classroom.” [The Detroit News, 3/12/10]

 

Recovery Act funding will help Cheboygan County operate its local bus system.  “Cheboygan County will receive about $21,000 to help run its local bus system.  The money is part of more than $12 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) grants that were awarded to some of Michigan’s rural and small city transit systems, according to a recent announcement from the Michigan Department of Transportation.  The $12.4 million is the second phase of a two-part distribution of around $25 million total.  ‘Our goals for projects in this second phase of federal funding were to upgrade the overall condition of the rural transit fleet and improve the transit agencies’ effectiveness and efficiency with equipment purchases and greening of existing facilities,’ State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said in an MDOT press release.” [Cheboygan Daily Tribune, 3/11/10]

 

Recovery Act funds Michigan transit system to improve efficiency by greening existing facilities and upgrading the rural transit fleet.  “Michigan’s non-urban transit agencies and rural intercity bus service will share $12.4 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) grants … and the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority (SJCTA) is among the recipients.  The funding represents Phase 2 of a two-part distribution of approximately $25 million to benefit Michigan’s rural and small city bus passengers.  The SJCTA is slated to receive a total of $56,715.  Of that amount, $36,250 is allocated for facility improvements, $18,615 for GPS units and a computer, and $1,850 for software.  The Cass County Transportation Authority will receive $15,160 for operating assistance and the City of Dowagiac will receive operating assistance in the amount of $5,452.  ‘Our goals for projects in this second phase of federal funding were to upgrade the overall condition of the rural transit fleet and improve the transit agencies’ effectiveness and efficiency with equipment purchases and greening of existing facilities,’ said State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle. ‘…This funding will help our citizens commute to work, get to job-training opportunities, or visit a doctor.’” [WKLM, 3/7/10]

 

University Of Nebraska-Lincoln received Recovery Act funding for many projects, including the construction of a new nanoscience facility.  “Research funding at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln continues to see record growth, increasing by $15 million from 2008 to 2009, University of Nebraska regents were told Friday.  ‘It's really been a pretty exciting ride the last 10 years,’ said Prem Paul, vice chancellor for research and economic development at UNL.  UNL saw its total research funding increase from $108 million in 2008 to $123 million in 2009, with $84 million coming from federal funds in 2009, Paul said.  As of March 1, UNL's total research funding is already at $94.3 million this year, he said… Paul also spoke about the impact of federal stimulus money on research at UNL.  He said the university has received 62 awards from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including two major awards worth $14.9 million for an addition to the Morrison Life Sciences building and a new Nanoscience Facility.” [Journal-Star, 3/5/10]

 

$175,996 in Recovery Act energy-efficiency grants was distributed to three nonprofits in southeast Michigan.  “Three Southeast Michigan nonprofit organizations will share $175,996 in grants to help local units of government with energy-efficiency efforts.  The technical assistance grants were announced Monday by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.  They are: $59,400 to the Warm Training Center in Detroit, to assist 40 communities in Southeast Michigan.  $58,300 to the Clean Energy Coalition in Ypsilanti, to support 37 communities in south and south-central Michigan. $58,296 to the Michigan Municipal League Foundation in Ann Arbor, to aid 36 communities in parts of southwest, west and northern Michigan.  The organizations will work with state project managers to assist communities that received energy efficiency and conservation block grants funded by the federal stimulus package, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 3/1/10]

 

$48.3 million in Recovery Act fund allows the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research to expand research projects and a facility.  “The University of Michigan Institute for Social Research has received a $14.8 million construction award from the National Center for Research Resources, part of the National Institutes of Health.  The award is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  It brings the total of ARRA stimulus awards to ISR to $48.3 million to date.”  Congressman John Dingell:  ”This grant will allow ISR to continue and expand upon its distinguished research, such as the Health and Retirement Study and the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, as well as to provide the faculty and staff with a first-class facility to match the quality of research produced.  ISR's expansion also provides a unique potential for job growth: opening up new positions for the unemployed in Michigan and solidifying opportunities for talented college graduates.” [University Of Michigan Press Release, 2/25/10]

 

Western Michigan University received a $350,000 Recovery Act grant to continue a six-year clean coal development study.  “A total of $350,000 in federal stimulus funds awarded to Western Michigan University is being used to continue WMU's efforts aimed at developing clean coal technology that could result in a major new economic development opportunity for Michigan… An award for nearly $44,000 comes from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc., a nonprofit member-owned utility organization based in Cadillac.  The second grant, for $306,000, comes from the DOE and the University of Illinois… These studies will contribute information necessary to evaluate the potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from industrial point sources through carbon capture and sequestration and address the dual challenges of global climate change and energy security,’ Barnes said… In addition to promoting national security on the energy front and combating global warming, sequestration has the potential for building a new industry in Michigan and other states that have the underlying geological formations that make them ideal for such projects.” [WWJ News Radio, 2/24/10]

Vice President Biden highlights success of two local companies that benefited from Recovery Act.  “[Vice President Joe] Biden will appear at Delta College between Saginaw and Bay City, where he will be joined by U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and Karen Mills, administrator of the Small Business Administration, to talk about the stimulus impact and a job-training program at Delta.  Later, the vice president will visit Hemlock Semiconductor, a Saginaw Valley silicon maker that will benefit from federal energy manufacturing tax credits.  Michigan's federal recovery Web site says the state has received about $11 billion in stimulus money, much of it in the form of tax cuts for individuals and credits for alternative energy businesses.  The infusion of cash also has gone to highway and bridge work, sewer upgrades and Great Lakes cleanup.  In addition, recovery money has helped the state balance its general fund and school aid funds.  The Obama administration has estimated stimulus cash has created or retained more than 22,000 jobs in Michigan while the state Web site puts the number at 16,906, and it projects many more jobs when the spring construction season begins.  Hemlock Semiconductor is a producer of high-purity polycrystalline silicon used in the solar energy industry and is one of the state's few manufacturing success stories in recent years.  The company will get $169 million in federal energy manufacturing credits through the federal Recovery Act.  The Dow-Corning company, located in Hemlock in the Saginaw Valley, has invested $2.5 billion in Michigan in the last five years.  Its most recent expansion means 300 permanent jobs and 800 construction jobs in the state.” [The Detroit News, 2/16/10]

 

Kalamazoo received Recovery Act funds as a part of Michigan’s neighborhood stabilization project.  “The City of Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo County Land Bank Authority, will jointly receive approximately $15.6 million in neighborhood stabilization stimulus funding, to reinvigorate six downtown core neighborhoods struggling with foreclosures and abandoned, blighted housing.  The announcement, made in Detroit the afternoon of January 14th by Shaun Donovan, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, will bring $223.8 million to twelve Michigan communities.  As for Kalamazoo, the City and County announced that it will strategically target the grant funding in the Vine, Edison, Northside, Eastside, Fairmont, and Stuart neighborhoods to transform abandoned, foreclosed, and vacant property into quality housing stock for Kalamazoo County.  The City and County intend to direct the funding into Kalamazoo’s local economy by investing in sustainable housing rehabilitation, blight removal, new construction with a focus energy efficiency and green building techniques, and financial assistance to homebuyers.” [Kalamazoo Shopper, 2/3/10]

 

Recovery Act funding goes to salary for a new law enforcement officer for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.  “The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians has two new law enforcement officers that are ready to protect and serve.  Mike Logghe, a 23-year veteran of the Ann Arbor Police Department, who retired June 30, 2009, as a patrol lieutenant and public information officer, was hired Jan. 25 by the tribe to fill the position of former tribal officer Ryan Shields, who recently went to work for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.  Patrick Symons of East Jordan, who graduated from the Northwestern Michigan College police academy in May 2009, and has since worked part-time as road patrol officer for the East Jordan Police Department, was hired Monday, Feb. 1, by the tribe as its department’s 11th officer.  According to tribal police chief Jeff Cobe, Symons’ position is being funded for three years through a $134,000 stimulus grant, provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” [Petosky News, 2/3/10]

 

Manistee County received Recovery Act funds for energy efficient renovations to government buildings and a statewide recycling program.  “The county received $125,000 in federal stimulus money to reduce energy costs for government facilities and expand the Manistee County Recycling Initiative.  The Manistee County Alliance for Economic Success announced the funding Friday, saying it was provided through a state Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Approximately $75,000 in grant funds will be allocated to complete energy audits of local government facilities in Manistee County and to help local units implement the audit findings to generate energy and cost savings. All local governmental units will be eligible to seek support under the grant program.  About $50,000 in grant funds will be devoted to implementing the county-wide recycling program that began in 2008 and now includes six of Manistee County’s 14 townships. Program funds will be used to help implement the program and monitor recycling sites within the six participating townships and to expand the program to other areas.” [Ludington Daily News, 2/2/10]

 

Michigan libraries to receive computers and expand 84 existing computer centers with Recovery Act funding.  “The Otsego County Library will likely receive 22 computers for use at its Gaylord facility and Vanderbilt and Johannesburg branches, as part of a nearly $1 million federal stimulus grant administered by the Library of Michigan and Michigan State University (MSU).  According to a press release from its university relations office, MSU will receive $895,482 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Those funds will be used to expand 84 existing library computer centers and established new centers to provide access for people in 15 underserved counties, including Otsego County.  Maureen Derenzy, director of the Otsego County Library, expects to receive a minimum grant of $22,000 — enough for 22 desktop and laptop computers. Eighteen computers will go to the Gaylord branch, and the Vanderbilt and Johannesburg branches will receive two each (see related story for the number of people served at each branch).” [Gaylord Herald Times, 2/3/10]

 

Village of Deerfield received Recovery Act funds to upgrade a water treatment plant.  “The village of Deerfield is to receive a $700,000 gift to go along with a low-interest loan to finance a $1.75 million upgrade of its water treatment plant.  Deerfield is among 44 Michigan communities receiving a combination of loans and grants from the federal stimulus program, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The awards were announced Monday by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.  Loans that include ARRA funds that do not have to be repaid have been awarded several times since the federal economic stimulus program was enacted early last year, said agency spokesman Robert McCann.  The state’s low-interest revolving loan program for clean water projects has always been a great program, McCann said.  ‘When we can then add Recovery Act money on top of that it really makes it advantageous,’ he said.  Deerfield, which was cited for drinking water quality violations, approved an upgrade last year to the plant that processes water drawn from the River Raisin.” [Daily Telegram, 2/2/10]

 

Calhoun County received its first share of Recovery Act funding to improve energy efficiency as part of an upgrade to county buildings.  “Calhoun County learned this week it will receive more than $350,000 in stimulus funds to improve energy efficiency on a planned $7 million project to upgrade county buildings.  The $351,450 competitive grant was awarded as part of $17.4 million in state Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants to cities, villages, townships and counties through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  It is the first major block of stimulus funding the county has received, aside from money for the sheriff's office and roads, said County Administrator-Controller Kelli Scott…The money will be used to upgrade county facilities while saving energy and operating costs. New roofs, windows, boilers, chillers, lighting upgrades, building controls, and heating, ventilation and cooling systems could be installed.  The energy upgrades will be part of a proposed $7 million project to upgrade and maintain county buildings. About half of the $7 million would be used to fix the Calhoun County Justice Center roof, Scott said.” [Battle Creek Enquirer, 1/30/10]

 

Lenawee County Received Recovery Act Grants To Assist In Funding Energy Conservation Projects.  “Lenawee County and the city of Adrian were awarded grants totaling more than $500,000 for energy conservation projects.  The county’s $414,082 grant is to help pay for a $4 million upgrade of heating and cooling, lighting and other systems in the Lenawee County Human Services Building. Adrian was awarded $99,065 to help finance a proposed $500,000 project to generate electricity from methane gas at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.  The grants are included in $17.4 million in federal stimulus funding awarded to 125 cities, villages, townships and counties for projects that save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs.  ‘These Recovery Act funds will assist our ongoing efforts in moving to a clean energy economy,’ said Gov. Jennifer Granholm in announcing the grants on Tuesday.” [Daily Telegram, 1/28/10]

 

Three Michigan train stations will receive federal Recovery Act money to renovate stations and tracks.  “Three Amtrak stations in Michigan – including Dearborn’s – will be replaced or renovated with $40 million in federal grants, as part of federal grants totaling $8 billion to create or improve 13 major high-speed rail networks in the U.S… Michigan will receive $40 million to build a new passenger train station in downtown Dearborn, and to renovate stations in Troy and Battle Creek. The Pontiac-Chicago rail system will also receive $133 million to fix up Amtrak stations and tracks in Illinois, and $71 million for track improvements that will reduce slowdowns of passenger trains caused by freight train traffic.” [Detroit Free Press, 1/28/10]

 

Pinckney Village received Recovery Act funding for improvements and green upgrades to mill street.  “The village of Pinckney has scored $454,000 in stimulus funds for its Mill Street project, or 40 percent of the project's anticipated $1.13 million cost. The money, known as a ‘principal forgiveness’ from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will provide improvements to North and South Mill streets and a portion of Unadilla Street. A principal forgiveness is similar to a grant.  ‘South Mill Street is in horrendous shape. North Mill is not good, either. Both were in desperate need of attention,’ said Village President Rebecca Foster. ‘The funding allows us to not only combine what would have originally been two projects, completed over two years, but will also provide features to reduce storm runoff, resulting in an improved and longer-lasting street.’  Specifically, the project will resurface the streets, and add sidewalks, curbs and gutters and more on-street parking. ” [Livingston Daily, 1/27/10]

 

Recovery Act has created or saved 22,514 jobs in Michigan, with even more growth to come.  “As President Barack Obama heads into his second year in the Oval Office, Michigan finds it realized some benefits in his first year, most notably the bailout of the auto industry, which saved thousands of jobs and the state's premier industry.  The state also has seen an infusion of stimulus money for highway and bridge work and sewer upgrades, as well as money earmarked for Great Lakes cleanup and pollution control… The state has been allocated about $11 billion of the expected $18 billion it will get from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  This funding for public works projects has created or saved 22,514 direct jobs in Michigan, according to the administration. Plus, the state was able to balance its budget with millions in stimulus money for its general and school aid funds, avoiding deeper cuts to services and avoiding layoffs.  Beth Bingham, director of the Michigan office that oversees stimulus dollars, said the state will start seeing many more jobs created by the stimulus act. Road and similar construction jobs tied to the funding will start up in the spring. And a large wave of grants has been coming out that will result in more hiring by area businesses.” [The Detroit News, 1/27/10]

 

Niles City Council approves the use of Recovery Act money to pay for road repairs.  “It's not just the Niles Wastewater Treatment Plant and its users that will benefit from federal government stimulus funds. So, too, will Niles motorists receive a boost.  On Monday night, the Niles City Council approved the expenditure of an estimated $308,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for a pair of road improvement projects. Niles Public Works Director Neil Coulston later identified the roads slated for resurfacing as East Main Street, from Maple to 17th Street, and Lake Street, from Fifth to 11th streets.  Should costs exceed $308,000, the city will pay the difference.  Last year, the city was informed it would receive $3 million in stimulus money to help upgrade the city's aging treatment plant, thus lowering increases that will be sought from ratepayers.” [South Bend Tribune, 1/26/10]

 

Recovery Act-funded project to build fiber-optic network in underserved areas will create or retain 58 jobs and is estimated support 660 jobs per year.  “U.S. Congressman Stupak Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced 31 Michigan counties, including nine in the First Congressional District, will benefit from a $33.3 million infrastructure grant with $8.3 million in matching funds to build a fiber-optic network in underserved counties in the Lower Peninsula.  The project is expected to create or retain 58 jobs directly and is estimated to further stimulate the growth of 660 jobs per year once the project is complete.  The grant was awarded to Merit Network Inc. by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)… The grant will fund the REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative project to build a 955-mile advanced fiber optic network through underserved counties in Michigan.  This network will serve businesses, households and institutions including libraries, universities, community colleges and community health centers.  The project will extend Merit’s 1,600 miles of existing network to make broadband more easily available to 886,000 households and 45,800 businesses.” [Petoskey News-Review, 1/22/10]

 

Energy conversion devices received a Recovery Act tax credit to make production lines more efficient and create up to 600 jobs.  “Energy Conversion Devices, a leading manufacturer of thin-filmed solar cells, has received a $13.3 million tax credit from the federal stimulus program to make production lines more efficient at its Auburn Hills plant and create up to 600 jobs in Michigan, the company said Thursday. The Rochester Hills-based company plans to use the investment tax credit to upgrade plant machinery, improve output and lower manufacturing costs on solar laminates made by its subsidiary, United Solar Ovonic. The company said it will roll the credit into a larger $42 million investment in its Auburn Hills plant, which makes flexible solar films for rooftop construction… It's unclear whether Energy Conversion Devices plans to hire back former workers to fill the 600 jobs it hopes to create with the tax incentive. Energy Conversion Devices didn't return calls to elaborate on its hiring plans.” [The Detroit News, 1/22/10]

 

Nonprofit serving victims of domestic abuse and their families, will use Recovery Act money to renovate transitional housing and provide clients with job training.  “Underground Railroad in Saginaw will collect $300,000 in federal stimulus money to renovate transitional housing and train clients for employment.  The nonprofit offers shelter and assistance to victims of domestic violence and their families.  The money will renovate two apartments in a donated house in Saginaw, pay for additional transitional housing over two years and train four clients to prepare for the workforce, said Chief Executive Officer Valerie A. Hoffman.  The cash is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” [The Saginaw News, 1/21/10]

 

Grand Rapid Community College officials ‘absolutely thrilled’ to receive Recovery Act grant to train low-income locals for green jobs.  “Absolutely thrilled’ is the way Grand Rapids Community College's Judith Larsen described her reaction last week when she learned the college was one of only 30 applicants among hundreds in the nation to receive a coveted ‘local’ $4 million grant to train urban residents for ‘green’ jobs of the future.  The federal stimulus ‘Pathways out of Poverty’ grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will be used to train an estimated 1,000 low-income Grand Rapids residents for high-growth ‘green’ industry jobs, such as those in energy efficient building construction and retrofit, renewable energy, energy efficiency, green facilities management and advanced battery manufacturing.  Grants totaling $150 million were made possible after President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to preserve and create jobs, promote the nation's economy recovery and assist those most impacted by the recession… Larsen says that targeted group is unemployed workers, high school dropouts and individuals with a criminal record. They must reside in the city of Grand Rapids General Targeted area, an area defined by the city as older, lower-income neighborhoods.” [Rapid Growth, 1/21/10]

 

Recovery Act funds will go to rehabilitating vacant homes and restoring historic neighborhoods in Kalamazoo.  “The city of Kalamazoo will receive $14.2 million in federal stimulus funds to acquire abandoned, foreclosed and vacant private properties and turn them into owner-occupied homes for low- and moderate-income buyers.  City officials are estimating Kalamazoo could acquire several hundred vacant, blighted or foreclosed properties, and rehabilitate or redevelop another 50 locations, including some new construction… the money must be used by the city and the Kalamazoo County Land Bank Authority to turn vacant and blighted properties into owner-occupied homes for a range of income-qualified people…At least a quarter of Kalamazoo’s grant must benefit people earning 50 percent or less of area median income — for example up to $31,450 for a family of four.  But some families earning up to 120 percent of AMI — or up to $75,500 for a family of four — may also qualify for home purchases.  Officials say the funds will mean work for area building contractors who can meet rules that will be tied to the federal money, and the potential for new government hiring that will be required to administer the program.” [Kalamazoo Gazette, 1/15/10]

 

Flint area to receive Recovery Act funds from HUD for home rehabilitation and demolition.  “The area is expected to receive a massive boost in demolition and home rehabilitation funding today — about $25 million in federal stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  HUD said in a news release that Secretary Shaun Donovan will announce the awarding of $2 billion in stimulus funds nationwide in Detroit this afternoon.  The awards include about $224 million for a consortium of 12 Michigan land banks, which applied as a group for the funding.  The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has been awarded about 80 percent of the funds it requested on behalf of the state land banks and cities, according to HUD.  The Genesee County Land Bank's share of that award will be about $25 million, according to former county treasurer and Land Bank chairman Daniel T. Kildee… Kildee said today that funds can be used to pay for acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction to stabilize property values in select areas, and demolition.” [Flint Journal, 1/15/10]

 

1,000 inner city residents in Grand Rapids will take part in a job training program thanks to “Pathway out of Poverty” grants funded by the Recovery Act.  “Grand Rapids Community College has landed $4 million in stimulus money to train more than 1,000 inner-city residents for green jobs.  Those jobs – in energy-efficient building construction, renewable energy and advanced battery manufacturing – pay between $12 and $28 an hour… The targeted core city neighborhoods have a population of nearly 94,000 residents.  Nearly a quarter live below the poverty line and one-third of the adults lack high school diplomas… The money is part of $150 million in ‘Pathway Out of Poverty’ training grants announced Wednesday.  Overall, Michigan will collect $12 million, said Ed Montgomery, White House's car czar.  Most of the money will go to the east side of the state: $3.6 million to Flint's Mott Community College and $4 million to the Detroit area's Southwest Housing Solution.  The 38 nationwide grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative – totaling $500 million – to fund workforce development projects promoting economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency industries.” [Grand Rapids Press, 1/13/10]

 

Recovery Act funds to help create more fuel efficient vehicles in Pontiac; estimated to support 500 research and management jobs initially and 6,000 production jobs by 2015.  “Michigan is getting some a total of $57 million in stimulus money to help create more fuel efficient vehicles. Dr. Ed Montgomery, the White House Automotive Recovery Director, announced Tuesday a General Motors plant in Pontiac will receive $8 million.  This is part of a $187 million national stimulus program from the Department of Energy designed to create more fuel efficient vehicles. The Pontiac stimulus will initially create 500 research and management jobs.  By 2015, it is expected to create approximately 6,000 production jobs. In a media phone conference, Dr. Montgomery said, ‘I think this is a good way to both strengthen the industry, reduce our dependence on foreign energy, and create some good jobs for American workers.’” [Associated Press, 1/12/10]

 

Recovery Act Funds Go To Water Treatment Plant Expansion.  “Construction of a $3.6 million expanded water treatment plant in New Buffalo will begin in April, city officials said.  The water project has been given a green light by the city council recently.  A state loan and now recent federal stimulus funds will help keep the project's interest rate down, say city officials… The city's Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Drinking Water Revolving Fund loan is for $2.7 million with a 2.5 percent interest rate.  The stimulus funds will total about $1 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The water treatment plant improvements include renovating the plant's two original rapid-sand gravity filters; installing a third filter; installing a fourth high-service pump and a new generator to bring the plant's capacity to 2.5 million gallons a day.” [South Bend Tribune, 1/13/10]

 

Michigan Companies to receive $242 million in tax credits to create advanced clean energy manufacturing capacity.  “President Barack Obama unveiled Friday $2.3 billion in tax credits for manufacturing clean energy goods, including $224 million for Michigan factories to boost solar cell and wind turbine production. The credits were part of the $787-billion economic stimulus package the Obama administration shepherded through Congress last year and were aimed at production of parts for wind turbines, solar panels and other energy-saving technology. The credits are good for 30% of the investment; the White House said the credits would be matched by more than $5 billion in private spending. . . . In Michigan, the largest tax credit was won by Hemlock Semiconductor, which was granted a $141.9-million tax break to expand its solar panel plant in Hemlock. Eight other firms won credits ranging from $300,000 to $27.3 million.” [GovMonitor.com, 1/11/10]

 

Northern Michigan University announced plans to use Recovery Act funds to give a tuition credit to undergraduate students next fall.  “Northern Michigan University says it's giving a tuition credit to resident undergraduates next fall, thanks to $1.3 million in federal stimulus funds.  The Marquette school's trustees last week approved the credit of about $190 for full-time students.  Finance Vice President Gavin Leach says terms of the federal stimulus aid called for the money to either mitigate student costs or improve facilities.  He says the board decided the tuition credit made sense considering the poor economy.” [Associated Press, 12/18/09]

 

Five small Michigan manufacturing companies were awarded a total of $15.5 million in Recovery Act funds to diversify into advanced manufacturing of renewable energy products; 700 jobs will be created or retained.  “In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said this was a good week for Michigan’s growing green economy… ‘Five small Michigan manufacturing companies were awarded a total of $15.5 million in federal Recovery Act funds.  These funds will help the companies diversify into advanced manufacturing of renewable energy products like wind turbines and solar panels.  More than 700 jobs will be created or retained.’  ‘This week’s developments show that an economic strategy we devised five years ago is continuing to produce results,’ Granholm said.  ‘In that time, Michigan has invested more than $1 billion to help nurture the growth of green manufacturing in our state, from advanced batteries and electric vehicles to solar panels and wind turbines’… ‘We want Michigan to be a center for advanced manufacturing and the jobs that come with it, and this week’s news about the Chevrolet Volt and five Michigan renewable energy companies shows that we are on the right track’… The address is available for download on the governor’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/gov together with a clip of the quote above.” [Governor Monitor, 12/16/09]

 

Saginaw Area company lands Recovery Act dollars to make wind turbine components. “Saginaw-based Merrill Technologies Group has landed $3 million in federal stimulus money to build advanced-composite wind turbine blades and components.  The project could initially lead to 75 to 125 jobs, with the possibility of ‘hundreds’ later, said Saginaw Future Inc. President JoAnn T. Carry..  The company, based at 1023 S. Wheeler, was one of five small Michigan companies among 80 that competed for $15.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.  ‘We looked for businesses that can produce the next generation of renewable energy systems and the components, such as turbines, blades, and solar technology,’ Stanley ‘Skip’ Pruss, director of the state Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth said in a written statement.  ‘The projects must be able to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.’ Other grantees included $7 million to Astraeus Wind IEnergy Inc. in Eaton Rapids, $3.5 million to Energetx Composites LLC in Holland, $1.5 million to Loc Performances Products Inc. in Plymouth, and $500,000 to LUMA Resources LLC in Rochester Hills.  The companies manufacture components for either the wind or solar energy markets.” [The Saginaw News, 12/8/09]

 

Using Recovery Act funds, an Atlanta based Alpena Ethanol Plant will create 160 jobs to develop new fuels from biomass.  “The U.S. Dept. of Energy has named the small Lake Huron town of Alpena as one of the 19 communities where the department’s Biorefinery Assistance Program will fund pilot projects to develop new fuels from biomass.  American Process, an Atlanta based company, was awarded $17.9 million to develop a plant that will make ethanol and potassium acetate —a deicer— from wood waste generated by local hardboard company Decorative Panels International.  ‘This grant, in support of one of our Centers of Energy Excellence, will bring 160 jobs to the Alpena area and strengthen Michigan’s efforts to be a leader in the development of the next generation of advanced biofuels,’ Governor Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.  Mlive reports that the project has already received substantial financial support from the state.” [The Michigan Messenger, 12/7/09]

 

Recovery Act funds will expand Head Start Programs and create 22 jobs in Northern Michigan.  “U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced the Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Child Development Board, Inc. and the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency have received a total of $1.5 million to expand Head Start programs in Northern Michigan.  In total, 22 new jobs will be created as a result of the grants.  The funding has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), to support the enrollment of additional children and families in Head Start programs as well as create new teaching and other positions in Early Head Start programs… ‘This stimulus funding provides immediate economic benefits by creating jobs in our communities, while also making a long-term investment in Northern Michigan, giving more children an opportunity to attend and gain educational benefits from Head Start programs.’ [Office of Rep. Bart Stupak, 12/8/09]

 

Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Child Development Board has received Recovery Act funding to expand services to an additional 38 pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families, hire 7 new staff.  “Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Child Development Board, Inc. has received $477,491 to expand services to an additional 38 pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families.  Additionally, four full-time home visitors, one full-time literacy specialist and two part-time teachers will be hired to staff the Early Head Start expansion program… Innovations include a focus on intensive family literacy activities to increase parent-child interaction and to improve child and family outcomes for all 133 families served by the Early Head Start program.” [Office of Rep. Bart Stupak, 12/8/09]

 

Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency will use Recovery Act funds to expand services to an additional 108 pregnant women, infants and toddlers, create 15 jobs.  Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency has received $1,038,871 to expand services to an additional 108 pregnant women, infants and toddlers.  Additionally 15 new jobs will be created as a result of the funding.  The award will expand services in Alpena, Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties as well as in previously unfunded counties of Alcona, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.  Home-based programs will be implemented for all expanded counties.” [Office of Rep. Bart Stupak, 12/8/09]

 

One of 94 Recovery Act research grants for Michigan Universities will fund two energy research frontier centers that will specialize in solar energy and green power.  “Thus far, 494 grants totaling nearly $274 million have been awarded to scientists at Michigan research universities, according to ScienceWorksForUS, a website unveiled on November 17th by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, other members of Congress, and representatives of the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and The Science Coalition… University of Michigan:  At the University of Michigan, the majority of the grants (266) are coming from the NIH and are going to research into stem cells, cancer treatment and prevention, the impact of endocrine disruptor chemicals on fetal development, kidney disease genetics, stress as a factor in childhood obesity, and many other areas on the frontiers of medical research.  Both the University of Michigan School of Medicine and the Life Sciences Institute are participating in these research programs.  The National Science Foundation (NSF) has provided 71 grants, which are supporting research in areas as diverse as astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, geology, mathematics, meteorology, and physics. The Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for two grants, one establishing a Energy Research Frontier Center that will specialize in solar energy and another creating new courses in battery technology, hybrid electronics, and green power.” [Detroit Science News Examiner, 11/30/09]

 

In Traverse City, Michigan, Recovery Act has funded assistance to foreclosure victims, construction projects, arts programs, and youth summer jobs training; Recovery Act grant has expanded a financial counseling program and provide emergency financial assistance to advise struggling homeowners how to avoid foreclosure.  “Billie Hedglen lost her home to foreclosure and worked part time at a department store to make ends meet.  Then along came funding from the federal government under the national stimulus program, and Hedglen is back to full-time employment.  She works for the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency and advises struggling homeowners how to avoid foreclosure.   ‘There's not a lot of opportunity out there right now and with the stimulus money not only do I have a job, I get job training and get to help people,’ said Hedglen, of Kingsley… Hedglen is among a handful of temporary workers the agency added with an $800,000 grant it's using to expand a financial counseling program and provide emergency financial assistance.  The grant is part of about $58 million in federal money allocated to Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie and Kalkaska counties from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [Traverse City Record Eagle, 11/28/09]

 

Increase in payroll jobs and construction thanks to Recovery Act-funded construction projects.  “Total infrastructure projects for the 5-county Grand Traverse region total about $16.6 million, of which $8.2 million is targeted for roads, for everything from repaving to sealing cracks.  To date, Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department is the lone local agency to win a large construction grant -- $2.8 million for a new fire station.  Two federal facilities, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery, will split $5.6 million for projects… Stimulus money is credited with creating or retaining more than 22,500 jobs in Michigan as of October, based on a formula that includes the number of hours a worker is employed.  ‘In some places the jobs created are really clear-cut, but in others it's more of an interpretation,’ said Leslee Fritz, director of the state's Economic Recovery Office.  ‘But just look at last month's unemployment numbers:  This is the first time in a while we've had an increase in payroll jobs and construction.” [Traverse City Record Eagle, 11/28/09]

 

Community agencies and arts organizations helped save jobs with Recovery Act funding; the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments created 320 summer Jobs.  “Zac Moore's job was among the easy-to-tally posts.  Moore, his wife and newborn baby prepared for a major family budget cut this summer when the Traverse Symphony Orchestra planned to cut his job from full to part time.  But TSO spared Moore's post as general manager, thanks to a $15,000 stimulus grant from the National Endowment of the Arts.  ‘It would have been tough.  I'd have to look for part-time work and try to piece together a living,’ Moore said… Agencies traditionally supported by federal dollars appear to have fared best in funding quests.  The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, which oversees a number of federally funded human service efforts, received about $7.5 million, including money for food assistance, Head Start, home weatherization, emergency assistance and financial counseling… Training for teens:  The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments created 320 summer jobs from a $4.1 million grant for job retraining and youth programs through its Northwestern Michigan Works offices.  The largest piece, $1.75 million, went to launch a one-time summer work and training program for teens and young adults.  They tackled a variety of community projects throughout a 10-county region.” [Traverse City Record Eagle, 11/28/09]

 

Mackinac Island will receive Recovery Act funds to upgrade its aging waste water system.  “Mackinac Island will receive up to a $2.578 million dollar grant and a $7.733 million loan to revamp an aging waste water system.  The funds were awarded out of stimulus dollars being obligated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program… The waste water plant has also had improvements in 1971, 1984 and 1994, but this would be the largest improvement to date.” [Petoskey News-Review, 11/24/09]

 

Recovery Act will help to ease per-pupil cuts that were imposed on Michigan schools last month, particularly for Dearborn Public Schools.  “Led by Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp., who represents north Dearborn Heights) Wayne County lawmakers Thursday voted for a plan that state House of Representatives, will leverage $184 million in federal stimulus money, helping to ease per-pupil cuts that were imposed on Michigan schools last month… The changes, if enacted, would restore about $5 million of the $11.8 million Dearborn is losing in state revenue this year, said David Mustonen, Dearborn’s communications coordinator.  The House action would include restoring about half, or $2.5 million, of the special funding Dearborn receives under hold-harmless funds designated in 1994 for high-spending school districts by the Legislature as part of a plan to equalize per-pupil funding throughout the state… Gino Polidori (D-Dearborn), a member of the House Education Committee commented on the house action:  ‘By taking advantage of economic stimulus dollars, we will help lessen the blow for many of Michigan schools, especially the nearly $5 million funding cut slated for Dearborn Public Schools.  We cannot get our economy back on track by downsizing our children's education and blocking our schools from getting the resources they need.” [Press and Guide, 11/7/09]

 

Oakland County has used Recovery Act funding to help people struggling to stay in their homes.  “Michigan, and Oakland County, have been key recipients of federal stimulus funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), following the worldwide economic meltdown in the fall of 2008.  Dollars have begun to flow into Michigan to aid counties, cities, townships, and villages; and 13 state agencies have been allocated funds to begin projects, put people to work, and develop infrastructure.  As of Sept. 30, Michigan recipients have been allocated more than $9.3 billion dollars in federal stimulus dollars.  Oakland County has received nearly $280 million of that… Another area of the county government that's receiving federal stimulus funds is the Community and Economic Development Department, which will use the money to help people struggling to stay in their homes.  ‘We're receiving $17 million in a multi-year grant over three to four years targeting foreclosure activity’ Daddow said. ” [Oakland Spinal Column, 10/28/09]

 

Flint's south side will use Recovery Act funds to hire six police officers. “Flint's south side will soon see six additional police officers patrolling the streets as part of a community task force funded by $3 million in stimulus grant funds.  Two assistant prosecutors and two legal assistants also will set up shop in the area, which is bounded by Hemphill Road to the south, I-69 to the north, Dort Highway on the east and Fenton Road to the west.  City and county officials made the announcement today on the lot of Applegate Chevrolet on S. Saginaw Street… ‘This is going to be great for the neighborhood,’ said lifelong Flint resident Larry Fogelberg, 59, a member of the Southside Business and Residents Association.  ‘We pride ourselves on taking care of our own and this is going to help a lot.’  The six officers will be recalled from layoffs at the Flint police department.  Leyton said he will be hiring two new assistant prosecutors and paralegals, and is working on securing an office for them on Dort Highway…   ‘We have had violence in this part of the city that we have to knock out,’ Leyton said.  Targeting crime on the south end will benefit the entire city, Leyton said, and even the smallest crimes need to be looked after… He said the police officers and prosecutors will help improve the quality of life for residents.” [Flint Journal, 10/27/09]

 

Oakland County’s communities, police departments, and schools will receive a large boost from the Recovery Act funding. “Oakland County’s communities, police departments and schools have gotten millions of dollars in federal stimulus money… Public and private schools have been the largest beneficiaries of federal stimulus money so far, to the tune of more than $157 million, although significant chunks of money have gone to law enforcement and housing assistance.  Nearly $280 million has been doled out in Oakland County, according to the state’s economic recovery office, which has updated stimulus disbursements through Sept. 25.  Michigan tracks its share of federal stimulus money in five broad categories: Creating ‘green’ jobs, supporting families, strengthening communities, protecting natural resources and enhancing educational opportunities.”  [Oakland Daily Tribune, 10/26/09] 

 

Thanks to Recovery Act funds, 250 education jobs will be saved on an annual basis in Oakland County.  “More than $157 million has gone to education, mostly to K-12 schools, public and private. Public and private schools have received more than $66 million, mostly for Title 1 funding that supports children in low-income areas.  Some also went for technology improvements… Tom Wiseman, assistant superintendent of business services for Waterford schools, said the stimulus money was used to offset reductions by the state in the school aid budget.  ‘What those dollars did was really keep our per pupil funding at $7,640,’ Wiseman said.  ‘It saved 250 jobs on an annual basis’… But that money also finds its way to local school districts for their special education programs.” [Oakland Daily Tribune, 10/26/09]

 

Recovery Act will fund home weatherization, fuel cell technology, and the creation of green jobs in Oakland County and surrounding communities.  “The federal money has been allocated in the broad categories of home weatherization, energy efficiency block grants and fuel cell technology grants.  More than $11.5 million has gone to Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLHSA) for home weatherization.   Another $10.8 million has been divvied up between Oakland County, Waterford Township, Troy, Southfield, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Pontiac, Novi, Farmington Hills, Commerce Township and Bloomfield Township in the form of energy conservation grants… $2.4 million — went to fuel cell technology, and the entire amount went to Delphi Automotive.  Another $879,907 went to Robert Bosch, LLC, to investigate ethanol fuel blends.” [Oakland Daily Tribune, 10/26/09]

 

21 county police departments will benefit from Recovery Act funding for public safety. “Twenty-one county police departments have received a total of $1.9 million in public safety grants while five others are splitting $3.1 million in special grants to fund police officers on the street.  Another $1.6 million in justice department grants also went to county law enforcement.  The Oakland County Sheriff ’s Office, for example, received $400,000 for its Narcotic Enforcement Team, another $1.18 million in a federal Justice Department grant and $232,769 in a public safety grant.” [Oakland Daily Tribune, 10/26/09]

 

Nearly 19,000 Recovery Act grants and loans are helping Michigan residents create jobs; one loan allowed Diane Brabon to hire 10 people.  “The federally backed loan was seemingly small - a meager $12,500 compared with the multimillion dollar grants D.C. lawmakers handed out this year elsewhere in mid-Michigan.  But Diane Brabon has used that summer loan as a cushion to make payroll while expanding her business.  It has allowed her to create something desperately needed in Michigan - jobs.  That single loan is just one of 18,953 federal Recovery Act contracts, grants and loans to Michigan worth $8.7 billion through Oct. 14… Brabon owns Trusting Heart Home Health Services LLC in Delta Township.  The Aug. 12 loan from the federal Small Business Administration's Business Guaranteed Loan Financing Account let her create 10 part-time jobs she expects to grow into full-time positions.  We get to help the elderly and those in need and give people jobs,’ said Brabon, who now employs about 60.  Tens of millions of dollars in stimulus money for Michigan went to state government.  Other grants and loans went directly to small businesses… such as the Lansing Glass Co. on Baker Street in Lansing. Lansing Glass was granted a loan of $690,300 in June from the SBA.  With it, the company expanded, improving efficiency and safety.” [Lansing State Journal, 10/23/09] 

 

$71.7 million in  Recovery Act funded guaranteed loans will help rural businesses and strengthen rural communities throughout America.  “Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $71.7 million in loan guarantees to assist 20 rural businesses in funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The funding announced today is being made available through USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.    ‘The Recovery Act funds announced today will help businesses get access to the capital they need to launch and expand their businesses and help bring additional jobs to America's small cities and towns,’ Vilsack said…   For example, in Georgetown, S.C., USDA Rural Development is guaranteeing a $3 million loan to enable a local gate and mounting-system company to restructure debt and purchase new machinery and equipment.  In Franklin County, Ohio, a farmer owned cooperative with local headquarters was selected to receive a $7.5 million loan guarantee.  The loan will help provide business services to more than 50,000 livestock farmers in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.  The Business and Industry loan will help the cooperative continue to maintain health insurance to its nearly 500 employees, many of whom live in counties with unemployment rates 125 percent greater than the national average and counties that have been affected recently by natural disasters.” [USDA.gov, 10/21/09] 

 

Recovery Act funding will reinstate two full-time reading clinicians and hire one full-time elementary teacher at Romeo Community Schools.  “Romeo Community Schools will take advantage of federal funding to provide more time to helping at-risk students.   The Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution to reinstate two full-time reading clinicians and the equivalent of one full-time elementary teacher.  By using a combination of grant funding to hire the clinicians, administration says the hires will have a neutral impact on the otherwise strained budget… Reading clinicians work with at-risk students, and when two were eliminated there were three left to serve the district's five elementary schools…  ‘We made the recommendation thinking that we would remain in compliance with providing services for our kids,’ said Superintendent Joe Beck. Christine Scarborough, curriculum facilitator, explained that the curriculum office found a solution in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, also known as stimulus funds. She said stimulus funding can be used for Title I purposes, such as reading clinicians, but only if they're engaged in learning activities that comply with Title I programs." [Romeo Observer, 10/14/09]

 

Recovery Act has created about 19,500 jobs in Michigan, with nearly three-fourths of the jobs in education.  “The state of Michigan reports federal stimulus money has created or saved about 19,500 jobs so far… The three biggest areas of job growth or retention are education, workforce and infrastructure.  In fact, nearly three-fourths of the jobs are in education.  These are preliminary numbers.  The report does not include all the state-level grants or money sent directly to local governments and universities.” [ABC News 12, Video; 10/13/09]

 

$1.4 million in Recovery Act funding will support various police department crime prevention efforts across the state.  “Thanks to $1.4 million in federal grant money, there will be a new fence surrounding the Kent County Sheriff’s Department honor camp and new crime prevention organizers working in Grand Rapids.  The grant money also means new radios, computer equipment, Tasers and cameras for police departments in Kentwood, Walker, Wyoming and Grandville.  The grants are of a part of a U.S. Department of Justice stimulus program aimed at helping local departments upgrade equipment, said Connie Bohatch, Grand Rapids acting chief services officer… The U.S. Department of Justice’s stimulus program will include: $268,00 for a 12-foot security fence around the county’s 80-acre “honor camp” for youthful offenders.  $300,000 for the Grand Rapids Police Department to hire and train crime prevention organizers for two years.  $149,000 to upgrade the Wyoming Police Department’s patrol armor, in-car video systems and tactical team armored vests.  $93,200 for in-car digital cameras and recorders for Grand Rapids Police.” [Grand Rapids Press, 10/3/09]

 

Michigan will use Recovery Act grants to create an energy efficiency program and hire contractors to complete optimization programs for electricity customers.  “Michigan will use $17.4 million in federal stimulus funds to create an energy efficiency and conservation grant program that officials said Monday will help create jobs in fields like energy audits, building retrofits, traffic-signal upgrades and installation of renewable energy systems… The first is a multi-purpose grant to help local governments perform building audits and retrofits, establish financial incentive programs, upgrade traffic signals and streetlights, implement and enforce stepped-up building codes, and install renewable energy systems on government buildings.  There are also grants to encourage the use of light-emitting diode (LED) products to reduce energy use and increase awareness of LED technology.  The grants also come as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy hire contractors to help them launch energy optimization programs for electricity customers.” [Michigan Business Review, 9/28/09]

 

$27 million Recovery Act grant will provide affordable housing and help senior residents repair roofs and install more energy-efficient insulation in their homes.  “The cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights and Norton Shores received official word that an additional allocation of federal community development dollars will come their way as part of the “stimulus” program.  Michigan Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced this week that the state and its communities will receive a total of $27 million in additional Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development… The additional allocation this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was to be put toward projects that provided affordable housing and create economic opportunities.  ‘ In Muskegon Heights, Reatha Anderson — the city’s director of planning and community development — said improving the community’s housing stock is a priority of city leaders.  A portion of its additional CDBG funds will be used to help senior residents repair roofs and install more energy-efficient insulation in their homes, Anderson said. Some of the money also will be used to upgrade street signs.  Norton Shores will put its additional CDBG funds toward emergency home repairs for low-income homeowners, city officials said.”  [Muskegon Chronicle, 9/26/09]

 

Detroit trimmed the number of layoffs this month by 78 percent with allocation of Recovery Act funding.  “Mayor Dave Bing is slashing the number of city workers scheduled for layoff this month by 78 percent, cutting 230 jobs by the end of September instead of the 1,061 he projected.  Cost savings through increased efficiency and tentative contract concessions by several unions allowed the city to preserve jobs, said Karen Dumas, Bing's communications director.  The administration also feared the severity of the service reductions the layoffs would trigger, Dumas said.” [The Detroit News, 9/25/09]

 

The City of Portage receives Recovery Act funding for a housing rehabilitation and neighborhood improvement program. “Portage will get $57,194 in federal stimulus funding to be used for its housing and neighborhood improvement program.  The Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to income-eligible residents for housing rehabilitation… Jeff Erickson, Portage Department of Community Development director, said Portage had known of the funding and put it in its 2009-10 housing rehabilitation and neighborhood improvement program.  ‘That entire budget is about $230,000, so we're happy to receive this funding,’ Erickson said Wednesday...    The state of Michigan and local governments will split $27 million in the federal stimulus money for programs that help create jobs and improve housing.  Portage was the only community in the Kalamazoo area to receive funding.  Detroit will get about $10 million, and about $10 million will go to state departments.” [Kalamazoo Gazette, 9/24/09]

 

The University of Michigan has received 188 Recovery Act-funded grants from the NIH and the NSF for biomedical and engineering projects.  “The University of Michigan says the total of its federal stimulus grant money has reached $103 million. The university says it's received 188 grants from the National Institutes of Health and 70 from the National Science Foundation. The Ann Arbor school says its stimulus-funded research includes a variety of basic science, biomedical and engineering projects. The research grants come from the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package approved in February.” [Associated Press, 9/23/09]

 

Wayne State University will be able to provide research jobs to students who otherwise would not have had the chance thanks to a $287,297 Recovery Act grant.  “Since the inception of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Wayne State researchers have received more than $25 million in economic stimulus awards, according to the Wayne State’s Division of Research Web site.  The Research Experience for Undergraduates training program was awarded a $287,291 grant from the NSF.  The REU program is especially designed for students who would otherwise be unable to participate in research.  ‘By getting involved in real research projects, students become familiar with the challenges scientists face on a daily basis, the methods they use to address and solve those challenges and the joy and satisfaction brought about by discoveries,’ Dr. Alexey Petrov, the director of the REU said.  The recession, which put research developments at risk, prompted President Obama to establish the ARRA earlier this year.  ” [The South End, 9/21/09]

 

$200,000 in Recovery Act funds will help upgrade a road resurfacing project to a full road reconstruction effort for the City of Whitehall. “Last year the City of Whitehall proposed a plan of mixed road reconstruction and resurfacing in a cost containing method of repairing seven blocks of the deteriorating Mears Avenue.  That was the plan until this year when the city could tap into the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies… The four blocks, previously targeted for microsurfacing, are now undergoing complete road reconstruction, including some underground sewer improvements and water main replacement.  There will also be some sidewalk replacement along Mears Ave. Whitehall City Manager Scott Huebler said the project has a price tag of $476,623.  The ARRA funds pay for $200,000 and the remaining $276,623 will be covered by city general funds, water and sewer department funds and Tax Increment Financing Authority funds.” [The White Lake Beacon, 9/21/09]

 

Recovery Act funds help local schools avoid end-of-year cuts and support teachers.  “The stimulus funds also are very important to area schools because they will allow districts to do more to help students who need it most.    These funds, which totaled $1.2 billion, were used to ‘plug up’ the $984 million deficit hole in the state’s school aid fund for the 2008-09 school year.  The stimulus funds prevented the state from making end-of-the-year cuts in per-student state aid payments.  This was a welcome relief to school districts, whose revenues come mostly from the state aid payments…Without some drastic changes in how schools are funded, school districts will have to figure out how they’ll survive the impending sharp cuts from the state…’ This is a wonderful opportunity, especially in a time of limited resources and financial restraints,’ said [Huron Intermediate School District]  General Education Director Peggy Randall.  ” [Huron Daily Tribune, 9/21/09]

 

Fenton Police Department will improve crime prevention efficiency with Recovery Act-funded in-car computers.  “The Fenton Police Department is getting technology upgrades to three of its patrol vehicles.  Police chief Rick Aro announced at Monday night's city council meeting that the department will receive $12,754 toward three new in-car computers from the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, which was recently reinstated through stimulus dollars. The total cost for the computers and installation comes to $16,170 – with the city being held responsible for $3,416 after grant funds. ‘These in-car computers are critical to our day-to-day operation and will be instrumental in future updates to our operation,’ Aro said. ” [The Fenton Press, 9/14/09]

 

Boosted by Recovery Act funds, Zilwaukee will protect the public and environment with a house lead replacement and storm sewer improvements.  “The city of Zilwaukee has been approved for $5.5 million from the State Revolving Fund for water quality improvements to help protect public and environmental health... According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Zilwaukee plans to use the money for sanitary sewer manhole rehabilitation, house lead replacement and storm sewer improvements. By helping eliminate downstream surcharging and sanitary overflows, the project will protect public and environmental health…Approximately $2.2 million in stimulus funds is being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” [NBC 25, 09/09/09]

 

Michigan State University was awarded a Recovery Act-funded grant to study cerebral palsy.  “For associate professor of physiology Julia Busik, MSU’s newest $1.9 million grant to study cerebral palsy strikes a personal chord. Four years ago, Busik and epidemiology professor Nigel Paneth began research to find a prevention for cerebral palsy, after her own child, now 6, was diagnosed with the disease when he was 2 years old… The grant, awarded to MSU as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will pay for the study of blood samples of newborns to find the in-utero causes of cerebral palsy.  By studying blood samples of newborns with and without the disease, the researchers hope to discover a method to prevent the disease from developing once a child is born.  Cerebral palsy is a disease that can limit a child’s mental and physical capacities because of problems with brain development.” [The State News, 9/7/09]

 

A Recovery Act-funded project in Montague is underway.  “The first of the stimulus projects approved in the area is about to get underway. Crews from the City of Montague’s Department of Public Works are prepared to close portions of Dowling St., Old Channel Trail and Meade St. for projects. The Dowling St. and Old Channel Trail hills will be repaved using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the stimulus package.  The city received approximately $100,000 for the repaving project, $50,000 for the Dowling St. project and an equal amount for Old Channel Trail… The DPW is expected to close portions of Dowling St. and Old Channel Trail to begin the repaving in the coming weeks. The road was repaved in 2001, but deteriorated faster than expected. The project will be completed by Sept. 30, giving pumpkin rollers a fresh surface for the Pumpkin Roll.” [White Lake Beacon, 9/7/09]

 

Canton was awarded Recovery Act money for energy efficiency and conservation projects; the funds will save eight jobs and lower energy costs for taxpayers.  “Canton's efforts to become more environmentally friendly — already bolstered by the township's move this year to a better curbside recycling program — just got another boost. Local officials have learned the township will receive $754,000 in federal stimulus dollars aimed at helping communities go green and improve energy efficiency. Canton received the largest share of money of any Michigan community from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, or EECBG, program. The projects are expected to save the township tens of thousands of dollars in coming years… Although township facilities coordinator Gregg King said the projects are only expected to create about eight new jobs, it's the energy-saving dollars he said will benefit Canton and, ultimately, the taxpayers who pay the bills.” [The Observer, 9/6/09]

 

Mecosta County road resurfacing, funded by The Recovery Act, will begin September 8.  “Beginning this Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will resurface 19 Mile Road in Mecosta County from US-131 to Northland Drive.  All four ramps at the US-131 interchange will be resurfaced as well.  This $500,000 project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)… Over 3.5 miles of roadway surface will be improved which will increase the ride quality while extending the service life.” [The Michigan News, 9/4/09]  

 

Recovery Act funds will be used to create an energy conservation apprenticeship readiness program which will train people for apprenticeships in green jobs.  “A big stimulus boost will help get out-of-work folks in Michigan's hardest hit communities back on the job in the alternative energy sector.  Governor Granholm announced a nearly $1.5 million grant to create the ‘Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness Program.’  It will train people for apprenticeships in green jobs, both reducing unemployment numbers and increasing energy efficiency in Michigan. Muskegon Heights is one of eight cities chosen for the program.  It is the only city in West Michigan. [WWMT News Channel 3, 9/3/09]  

 

Michigan will use Recovery Act funds to clean petroleum that leaked from storage tanks into soil, prevent further contamination of groundwater.  “EPA announced the distribution of $7.1 million to Michigan under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to assess and clean up underground storage tank petroleum leaks.  The agency said the move is an effort to protect people where they live, work, and play, because the greatest potential hazard from a leaking underground storage tank is that the petroleum or other hazardous substances might seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, the source of drinking water for nearly one-third of all Americans… The $7.1 million is part of $197 million appropriated under the Recovery Act to address shovel-ready sites nationwide contaminated by petroleum from leaking underground storage tanks.  The funds will be used for overseeing assessment and cleanup of leaks from underground storage tanks or directly paying for assessment and cleanup of leaks from federally regulated tanks where the responsible party is unknown, unwilling, or unable to finance, or the cleanup is an emergency response.” [OSHA, 8/28/09]  

 

A Grand Valley State professor and his students received Recovery Act money to help fund their research on global warming.  “The fresh pavement along I-196 near Hudsonville is one example of federal stimulus money at work.  Michigan Department of Transportation alone is spending $90 million in stimulus funds in the Eight County Grand Region on road improvements.  That doesn't count the stimulus funds spent by local counties, cities, townships and villages.  So what does a college research trip to the North Pole have to do with that money?  ‘Plenty,’ Grand Valley State University professor Robert Hollister said… Hollister's students have been studying the effects of global warming on vegetation in the Arctic.  They have been awarded $500,000 in stimulus funds through the National Science Foundation to help fund the next five years of that study… As for how the Arctic trip fits the stimulus plan, Hollister said all one needs to do is to look at the benefits from past scientific endeavors, such as the space program. ‘One of the things that makes the U.S. great is the amount of money we put into science and technology,’ he said. ‘And this very much fits into that.’” [WOOD TV8, 8/31/09]  

 

The Michigan State Police received recovery act funds to help hire and train fifteen troopers and three sergeants.  “More than $6.5 million in federal funds have been awarded to the Michigan State Police to help hire and train 15 troopers and three sergeants.  The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Justice as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, said U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Menominee.  In addition to hiring 18 officers, the State Police will use the funding to enhance homeland security efforts, provide an emergency mobile response team and coordinate a statewide highway criminal enforcement initiative, said Stupak, a former trooper.  In June, Stupak led the Michigan congressional delegation in sending a letter to the Department of Justice requesting stimulus funding be expedited to prevent planned personnel cuts by the State Police.” [The Bay City Times, 8/24/09] 

 

Two additional officers will be assigned to Lenawee county’s drug enforcement team thanks to Recovery Act funding.  “Reinforcements are coming for Lenawee County’s drug enforcement team.  A $400,000 grant from the federal economic stimulus program is to cover the three-year cost of assigning two additional officers to the OMNI team that operates in the county.  The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department and the Adrian Police Department are to provide two veteran officers for drug enforcement work and receive funding to hire replacements.  ‘These two officers are going to come in very handy,’ said OMNI team leader Lt. Stephen Galbreath of the Michigan State Police.  Drug trafficking in Lenawee County may not be getting any worse during the economic downturn, he said, but there are no signs it is getting any better.” [Daily Telegram, 8/20/09] 

 

Recovery Act money paves way for major road construction in Saginaw, creating over 120 new jobs.  “Stimulus money is paving the way for a major road construction project in Saginaw.  M-13 between M-46 and Hess Avenue is getting a $5.1 million makeover. Drivers should expect to see a lot of ‘Road Closed’ signs, which started going up Monday morning… MDOT says the underground water and sewer lines are more than 100 years old and are in need of complete replacement.  The city of Saginaw and MDOT have wanted to work on the road and those sewer and water lines since 1997, but the project never got past the planning stage because it cost too much money.  But now that this project has qualified for federal stimulus money, it's finally going to happen… MDOT says the project will put between 120 and 150 people to work.  Those workers are expected to work year round to get construction done on time.  Some work is already underway.” [WJRT News, 8/17/09]  

 

700 at-risk youth participate in Recovery Act-funded summer jobs program in Lansing area, gaining confidence and learning new skills.  “Dominique Kowalk has been awake at 4:30 a.m. each weekday this summer so she can take the bus, drop her 6-month-old daughter at day care and get to work by 9 a.m.  The 23-year-old single mother doesn't complain.  She says she's grateful for her full-time, minimum-wage summer job doing clerical work at Woldumar Nature Center.  Kowalk, of Lansing, got the job through Capital Area Michigan Works' summer youth employment program… The work force development agency received $3.3 million in federal stimulus money to put more than 700 at-risk 14- to 24-year-olds to work at more than 200 businesses, nonprofits and governmental agencies in the tri-county area… Since starting her job at the nature center, Kowalk decided to get her associate's degree in human services at Cornerstone University.  ‘I think this program for Dominique has given her the self-confidence she needed in herself,’ said Shelli Burdo, a summer youth employment coordinator. ‘Through the booklets and things she's done, she realizes now, 'Oh, I can do this, and I can go to college.’” [Lansing State Journal, 8/18/09]  

 

Recovery Act-funded grant will enable UM Medical School to hire or retain three workers to research new vaccines for ear infection.  “University of Michigan scientists and engineers have been awarded 159 federal stimulus-package research grants to date, totaling $61.1 million… Dr. Janet Gilsdorf, professor and director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Service at the Medical School, received a $546,488 stimulus award from NIH.  She will use the funding to search for new vaccines to ward off bacterial ear infections that plague children… The funding will enable Gilsdorf to hire one junior scientist, retain one mid-career scientist and provide partial support for an additional mid-career scientist.” [WWJ Radio, 8/16/09]  

 

Recovery Act-funded grant to um medical school will create two new jobs for radiology study.  “Research funds were included in the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package approved in February, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act… Brian Ross, a professor of radiology and biological chemistry at the Medical School, will use his $531,387 NIH award to develop and validate an imaging-based biomarker to determine if a treatment is working in patients with cancer that has spread to the skeletal system... The funding enabled Ross to hire two more technical staff members for his study.” [WWJ Radio, 8/16/09]  

 

UM will use Recovery Act funds to develop green energy curriculum.  “Two weeks ago, UM received a $2.5 million stimulus grant from the Energy Department to create courses on topics such as hybrid electronics, battery technology and green power. That UM award is part of a $2.4 billion federal program - funded by the stimulus package - designed to spur manufacturing of batteries and other components for electric vehicles, creating thousands of jobs.  In April, the Energy Department announced that stimulus funds will pay for a new $19.5 million Energy Frontier Research Center at UM.  Researchers there will study the fundamental properties of materials for high-efficiency solar cells.  Twenty-two UM faculty researchers will participate. ‘This center is a significant win for the state of Michigan,’ Forrest said when the award was announced. ‘Renewable energy – solar energy in particular – is one of the major areas for opportunity in rebuilding the economy,’ he said. ‘This is exactly the sort of activity that makes sense not only to generate new science, but also very important economic opportunities in the long run.’” [WWJ Radio, 8/16/09]

 

Oakland County beginning first Recovery Act-Funded road project, will extend life of road by ten to fifteen years.  “Rochester Road being resurfaced from 14 Mile and to just north of Elmwood.  The project begins Aug. 17..., according to Craig Bryson, public information officer for the Road Commission for Oakland County… The project is among the first in Oakland County to receive federal stimulus money, according to Bryson… ‘This is one that was a priority, ready to go, on the shelf,’ Bryson said.  Three inches of asphalt will be added to the existing concrete surface, which is drivable but showing ware, Bryson said.  ‘When the road is in need of repair, but in moderate condition, we can do the project for far less money and extend the road's life about 10 to 15 years,’ Bryson said.” [The Observer and Eccentric, 8/16/09]  

 

Recovery Act investments in Romulus make community an ideal location for business investment.  “An investment in Romulus will help bring jobs and new technology to the community.  Ann Arbor-based A123 Systems has received $249 million in grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to open locations in Romulus and Brownstown where battery pack systems will be produced for hybrid and electric vehicles, said U.S. Congressman John Dingell (D-Michigan).  Vice President Joe Biden announced that the ARRA grants would go to 20 Michigan projects involving research and development of batteries and vehicles designed for the 21st Century.  Included in this list are four projects that Dingell and the other 16 Members of the Michigan delegation asked the Department of Energy to invest in this past May.  ‘These grant announcements are wonderful news for the State of Michigan,’ Dingell said.  ‘We’ve always had the people and the resources needed to become the world’s leader in advanced battery storage and technology.  The state possesses the nation’s fourth largest high-tech workforce and boasts the country’s third highest engineering graduate population.’” [The Romulus Roman, 8/13/09]   

 

Wayne State University has received Recovery Act grants to conduct medical research and energy research.  “Wayne State University says the money for research grants it has received under the federal government's recovery program have reached $17.9 million.  The Detroit school said Thursday it's landed 32 grants in all.  They include 27 from the National Institutes of Health for a total of $11.2 million.  Wayne State says it also has received $1.7 million under four grants from the National Science Foundation.  And it has gotten a $5 million grant from the Department of Energy for an electric vehicle engineering education and work force training program.” [Associated Press, 8/14/09]   

 

Holland scheduled to benefit from Recovery Act-funded rehabilitation of Chicago Drive.  “A one-mile stretch of Chicago Drive, also known as Business I-196, will be repaved from U.S. 31 east to the Macatawa River.  Work on the $333,000 project, which is being paid for by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, got under way Thursday and is expected to be completed before the Labor Day weekend.  During construction, traffic on Chicago will be reduced to one lane in each direction weeknights between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.” [The Grand Rapids Press, 8/13/09]   

 

Several lanes will be added to M-59 using Recovery Act funding.  “Residents who used M-59 or Rochester Road over the weekend may have been surprised to find they were suddenly reduced to one or two lanes of travel.  Well, there is no reason to feel ashamed about that - the construction project wasn't supposed to happen until 2020.  The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has officially begun a $50 million project to widen M-59 between Crooks and Ryan Road, which includes some bridge work at Rochester Road that was slated to begin this past weekend.  The project is funded by federal stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and is scheduled to be completed by November 2010.  Additional lanes will be added to the expressway, increasing it from two to three lanes traveling in either direction, said Bryan Turczynski, construction engineer in MDOT's Oakland Transportation Service Center.” [Rome Observer, 8/12/09]

 

Recovery Act infusions “couldn’t have come at a better time;” clinic services most of Calhoun county’s Medicaid patients.  “A slice of the stimulus pie landed on a local health care provider's plate just in time for dessert.  After the Family Health Center of Battle Creek initiated a $7.7 million expansion and renovation of its facilities in the Cereal City and Albion, paid through local grants and FHC resources, the federal government dished out more than $1.6 million in U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration funding.  The FHC was notified on March 27 that it is eligible for up to $373,249 through an Increased Demand for Services grant. On June 29, administrators learned that up to $1,247,115 in Capital Improvement Program funding also was available over a two-year period, said Dianne Kalnins, the FHC's director of marketing and fund development.  She said the money couldn't have come at a better time.  The federally qualified health center mostly serves Calhoun County's Medicaid patients and people who have little or no health care coverage. ‘We need it so badly because we are at capacity,’ she said.  The FHC will use the increased demand funding to hire two additional primary care providers, who can take on an additional 2,780 patients over the two-year funding period.  The health center will put the capital improvement funding toward information technology and equipment upgrades.” [Battle Creek Enquirer, 8/12/09]

 

159 Recovery Act grants have been awarded to the University of Michigan, sustaining jobs and advancing valuable research.  “University of Michigan scientists and engineers have been awarded 159 federal stimulus-package research grants to date, totaling $61.1 million.  The funding includes 113 National Institutes of Health stimulus awards, more than any other U.S. university or college.  Stimulus funds from the NIH, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy will support a variety of U-M basic science, biomedical and engineering projects, from novel cancer and vaccine studies to research on ultra-energy-efficient computers and the next generation of rechargeable batteries.  In addition, stimulus-package funding from the Energy Department will pay for a $19.5 million U-M research center to explore new materials for solar cells. ‘ The stimulus-package research grants will increase the pace at which the University of Michigan and other universities can address significant problems facing our world in the areas of health, engineering, and technology development,’ said Stephen Forrest, U-M vice president for research. ‘The funding also supports training of future researchers, and the spending on salaries, supplies, and laboratory upgrades undertaken by these projects adds to the economy.’” [University of Michigan News Service, 8/10/09]

 

Recovery Act dollars will fund four major road projects in Oakland County.  “The Road Commission for Oakland County kicked off four major resurfacing projects Monday. Construction will begin on Monday on Rochester Road from north of Predmore Road to south of Lakeville Road in Oakland and Addison townships, Rochester Road from 14 Mile Road to just north of Elmwood Road in Clawson, Orchard Lake Road from 8 Mile Road to Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills, and 10 Mile Road from Greenfield to Kenosha roads in Oak Park. Each construction project involves major resurfacing with some base repairs and new asphalt, according to RCOC… Three of the four projects are partly funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the other is being paid for with traditional federal transportation dollars, and RCOC provided the additional 20 local match.” [WDIV – TV, 8/10/09]

 

Urgent repairs to three roads in Kalamazoo County will be undertaken with Recovery Act funds.  “Recently approved stimulus funds totaling $1.7 million will provide much-needed repairs to three roads, officials said.  On Aug. 24, workers will begin replacing S Avenue from Sprinkle Road to 29th Street and 12th Street from D Avenue to C Avenue, according to the Kalamazoo County Road Commission.  Reconstruction of Eighth Street between R Avenue and Q Avenue is scheduled to begin Sept. 8.  The roads haven't undergone major repairs since the early 1960s, said John Byrnes, traffic services director for the Road Commission.  ‘We've stretched their life beyond expectation,’ he said… The Road Commission originally was considering the work in 2010 or 2011, Byrnes said. But then the federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was allocated to the Road Commission in July.  ‘The only way these (projects) could happen is if it had this massive federal support,’ Byrnes said.” [Kalamazoo Gazette, 8/11/09]

 

Kettering University will construct a hybrid electronics laboratory and offer two courses in hybrid technology with Recovery Act funding.  “Kettering University will soon offer students a new hybrid vehicle power electronics laboratory and hybrid vehicle courses.  It's how the university will spend $500,000 of a $2.5 million grant from federal stimulus money Vice President Joe Biden announced last week in Detroit.  Kettering will share in a grant that was awarded to the University of Michigan for the creation of 10 courses on hybrid electronics, batteries and green power.  Nearly half the courses will be taught at UM and others will be offered at UM-Dearborn and Kettering.  Two laboratories will be developed to support graduate and undergraduate courses, some of which could begin as soon as winter semester.” [Flint Journal, 8/10/09]

 

Recovery Act led to “significant increase” in loans after Recovery Act parameters were set in place.  “Over the past few months, U.S. Small Business Administration District Director Richard Temkin has said he was ‘cautiously optimistic’ about what seemed to be an uptick in SBA-backed lending.  But with four months of growing loan numbers on the books, Temkin said last week that he expects the surge to continue.   ‘In terms of our guaranteed loan activity, I think we're seeing a trend over the last four months,’ he said.  ‘We've seen a significant increase from where we were before, and I think it's safe to say that we will continue at least at the current level, and hopefully lenders will make increasing amounts of credit available to the small business community.’… SBA-backed lending dropped 66 percent in the first six months of its fiscal year, which begins in October, but has been steadily surging since provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly called the stimulus package, came into play.  ‘I think it's a continuation of the impact of raising the percentage that we guaranteed to 90 percent and the elimination of the fees to the borrower,’ Temkin said.  ‘And the banks' credit requirements perhaps are loosening somewhat, though that seems to be a slow process.’” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 8/9/09] 

 

A123 Systems obtained Recovery Act allocation for battery technology, marking a potential “new chapter” in Michigan industrial history.  “Michigan has turned a new page in its industrial history, and the city of Livonia may be a part of a chapter yet to be written on battery technology.  Vice President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that $1.35 billion in federal grants will be awarded to 12 projects in Michigan to support advanced battery and electric vehicle manufacturing and development. Gov. Jennifer Granholm visited A123 Systems in Livonia Thursday to highlight that company's $249.1 million grant from the Department of Energy at the site of what will be the company's new regional headquarters and production facility.  The grant will help A123 develop a strategy for constructing lithium ion battery manufacturing facilities in the United States with the first construction location in Livonia.  Under the grant's terms, A123 will be required to match the funds over time as they are spent.  Grant funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's electric drive vehicle battery and component manufacturing initiative.” [The Observer & Eccentric, 8/9/09]

 

Over 700 students are working at more than 200 businesses thanks to Recovery Act funding for the capital area Michigan Works youth summer employment program.  “Nine businesses in downtown Grand Ledge are already benefiting from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars, more commonly known as the stimulus package.  Funded by ARRA monies, Capital Area Michigan Works! has launched a Youth Summer Employment and Training Program.  More than 700 students are working in more than 200 businesses, government agencies and nonprofits throughout the region.  Downtown Grand Ledge is just one pocket of businesses where students assist local businesses, while also gaining valuable work experience and earning a paycheck.  All students are paid by ARRA funds, granting the businesses with ‘free’ help for the summer.  ‘I feel like this part of the stimulus is actually helping small businesses,’ said Jerren Osmar, owner of Piece of Mine Pottery Studio in Grand Ledge.  ‘It's great to have an extra set of hands around for the summer.’  Those hands belong to Lauren Brownell, a junior at Grand Ledge High School who works at Piece of Mine Pottery Studio thanks to the ARRA funds.  ‘It's a great place to work and I enjoy what I do. I'm so happy to make some money and learn about business,’ she said.” [Lansing State Journal, 8/5/09]

 

Michigan Technological University acquired Recovery Act financing for engineering program dedicated to hybrid vehicle development.  “Michigan Technological University will receive nearly $3 million in federal stimulus funds to develop an interdisciplinary educational program to train engineers and technicians to design and build the next generation of hybrid electric vehicles.  The $2.98 million grant is part of $2.4 billion in awards under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, announced today by President Barack Obama.  Vice President Joe Biden was in Detroit to announce more than $1 billion of the grants to companies and universities in Michigan, which received more than any other state.  Michigan Tech is one of three state universities in Michigan to receive education and training awards.  The other two are Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.” [Michigan Tech News, 8/6/09]

 

Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls will use stimulus grant to develop lithium-ion batteries.  “Johnson Controls Inc. snared the biggest piece of the stimulus pie divvied up by the Obama administration on Wednesday, when the Glendale company secured a $299 million grant to build lithium-ion batteries for hybrid vehicles at a Michigan factory.  Vice President Joe Biden announced that Michigan would get $1 billion in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help set up a domestic manufacturing base for next-generation batteries - considered to be the key to making plug-in electric vehicles a reality.  Johnson Controls received the largest single grant of 48 that were announced Wednesday, which ‘underscores the company's leadership position’ in the race to develop advanced batteries for cars and trucks, industry analyst David Leiker said. A portion of the funding could come to Wisconsin, where Johnson Controls and its joint venture partners, the French battery company Saft, have the headquarters and research-and-development activities for lithium-ion batteries.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/6/09]

 

Dearborn Police Department hired 10 new police officers thanks to Recovery Act allocation.  “The Dearborn Police Department recently learned it is the recipient of nearly $2.3 million in federal grant funds, which Chief Ronald Haddad said would be used to put 10 new officers on the streets.  ‘We've already hired three,’ Haddad said Monday.  The new officers will be stationed primarily in the city's east end.  The grants provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for the officers for a three-year period, Haddad said.  Police departments receiving the grants will then have to keep the grant funded positions for a fourth year.  ‘We lose enough people every year that committing to keep 10 officers on for a fourth year was an easy decision,’ Haddad said, adding the department is required to have at least 205 officers on board at all times. [Dearborn Press & Guide, 8/5/09]

 

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality given Recovery Act section to implement water projects.  “In an effort to improve water quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1,702,100 to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  A total of $39 million will be awarded nationally to states for Water Quality Management Planning (WQMP) grants that will keep and create jobs to help prevent water pollution and protect human health and the environment.”  EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson:  ‘The Recovery Act investments are meeting urgent needs for economic growth and protecting human health and the environment.  Communities across the nation can count on green jobs to help pull them out of this downturn and ensure the long-term strength of our economy and our environment.” [Press Release – Environmental Protection Agency, 8/4/09]

 

Ionia dedicated Recovery Act funds to improvement of local road in lead up to several large construction efforts.  “With major construction projects on the horizon for the City of Ionia, improvements are on the way for a local street set to be used as a detour route.  Members of the Ionia City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract between the city and Michigan Department of Transportation to improve Adams Street between Dexter and Jackson streets using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [Ionia Sentinel-Standard, 8/4/09]

 

Recovery Act allotment gives the DeWitt Township Police Department the ability to maintain a larger street presence.  “The township's police department will be able to file paperwork without leaving their cars and a senior citizen volunteer may be available to make house checks for vacationers thanks to new grant money.  The township's police department will receive $35,980 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as federal stimulus funds, according to DeWitt Township Police Chief Brian Russell.  Another $12,754 will be received through the state's Community Policing grant program, Russell said.  The federal funds will be used to pay for special computer software that allows police officers to spend more time on the road on patrol. ‘The OSSI Sungard system is a report management system that makes it possible for officers to complete their reports in the patrol cars; they will even be able to print out traffic tickets in the cars,’ Russell said. ‘That saves them the time they would have to spend driving back to the office and sitting at a desk; they will be on the streets a little longer,’ he said.” [Lansing State Journal, 8/3/09]

 

The Detroit Summer Youth Employment Program is hoping to use Recovery Act funds to employ 7,000 young people through September 30.  “V. Lonnie Peek's Detroit-based eBusiness Strategies is one of 12 businesses that have partnered with the federally funded Detroit Summer Youth Employment Program.  ‘I can't wait,’ said Peek, whose five-employee company offers customer service-related project management, and will take 50 youths through the program.  ‘I have individuals who will do clerical, some will be working on computers, some doing stuff like filing, others who will be doing general work.’  Coordinated by Detroit-based City Connect Detroit, the $11 million program aims to place 7,000 Detroiters ages 14 to 24 in summer jobs through Sept. 30, at no cost to business owners.  Participants must be low-income and meet other at-risk criteria… In past years, the program has placed about 3,000 youths. This year's expanded capacity is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Workers earn between $7.50 and $11 an hour, based on age.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 8/2/09]

 

Recovery Act revenue has allowed capital area Michigan Works to provide 700 young people with jobs and pertinent vocational training.  “We've heard all summer what a difficult labor market it is for teens.  We're solidly into double-digit unemployment statewide and at the local level, and many working adults have accepted positions below their skill levels.  Teens simply can't compete.  That is one of the reasons Capital Area Michigan Works was so thrilled to receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars specifically for a Youth Summer Employment and Training Program.  For the past six weeks, more than 700 14- to 24-year-olds from the region have been helping local organizations - and getting paid - at no cost to the groups.  Stimulus dollars have paid for classroom instruction for the at-risk youth, as well as their wages.” [Lansing State Journal, 8/3/09]

 

Recovery Act-funded repairs on segment of a road often highlighted for its many problems.  “A particularly rough stretch of Pontaluna Road, one that draws plenty of complaints because of its poor condition, is scheduled for reconstruction this fall.  The $1.29 million project will cover Pontaluna from Wood Road to U.S. 31.  The cost of the project will be covered by money from the federal stimulus package and various city funds.  Jerry Bartoszek, the city's public works director…said city officials receive many phone calls regarding the condition of Pontaluna, so this project is a high priority.” [Muskegon Chronicle, 7/26/09]

 

110 young people supplied with Recovery Act-funded jobs at over 30 businesses in Clinton County.  “With a combination of timely federal funding and cooperation from more than 30 Clinton County businesses, Capital Area Michigan Works is helping scores of young people with jobs, education and employment skills.  Currently, 110 participants are working at 34 locations around the county.  The program provides employment for participants, as well as an education component, according to organizers.… Funding for the Summer Youth Program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” [Lansing State Journal, 7/23/09]

 

The Michigan Department of Transportation has undertaken 4 significant road projects using Recovery Act money.  “Fueled by $71.3 million in federal economic stimulus funds, the Michigan Department of Transportation is set to begin four major road projects within the next two weeks.  The projects are set for M-59, Interstate 96, Telegraph and the business loop of Woodward Avenue, and they're part of $842 million in federal funds Michigan is receiving from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”  Macomb Township resident Ron Igrisan:  ”I drive it all the time, and it's long overdue.  They were talking about the need for this when I moved here in 1969.  It's always jammed up there, especially just before Dequindre.  It's a funnel. Thank God they're finally spending our money on something that's useful.” [Detroit News, 7/21/09]

 

Governor Granholm announces substantial Recovery Act sum for diversification of Michigan manufacturing companies.  “The state has $15 million in federal stimulus funds to help small Michigan manufacturing companies diversify into renewable energy technologies.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, announced Monday by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, targets investments in advanced manufacturing of renewable energy systems and wind turbine systems, solar technologies, bio-energy equipment and geothermal heating and cooling systems.  The goal of the funding is to create new markets for Michigan manufacturers, provide support to renewable energy original equipment manufacturers and tier-one suppliers, and create anchor companies that attract other businesses to Michigan. ” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 7/20/09]

 

Recovery Act Community Development Block Grant utilized by Battle Creek for affordable housing.  “Battle Creek will receive $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grants and $343,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The money is an annual allotment based on poverty, housing and population figures.  It is in addition to the $347,000 in block grant funding Battle Creek received earlier this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The grants pay for a wide range of social programs that improve housing, economic self-sufficiency and community partnerships.” [Battle Creek Enquirer, 7/21/09]

 

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs doled out 37 arts grants using Recovery Act funds, saving over 140 jobs.  “The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs… will distribute $438,007 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to preserve more than 140 jobs in 21 counties.  Locally, the Muskegon Museum of Art was awarded $14,509 for two security guard positions, a gift shop manager and an artist. The Arts Council of White Lake will receive $7,086 to pay the salaries of the ArtReach coordinator... The funding opportunity was specifically designed to preserve jobs in the arts and culture sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.” [Muskegon Chronicle, 7/20/09]

 

Numerous young people now employed thanks to Recovery Act-funded capital area Michigan Works!  “With a combination of timely federal funding and cooperation from more than 30 Clinton County businesses, Capital Area Michigan Works! is helping scores of young people with jobs, education and employment skills…  Funding for the Summer Youth Program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act .  Participants must be between 14 and 24 years old and meet other eligibility requirements.  ‘Middle-class kids don't get into this program.  Economic need is imperative, unless they have a documented disability,’ [director of the St. Johns service center for CAMW] said, ‘or if they have been a foster child.’  One-hundred and ten participants are working at 34 locations around the county.” [Lansing State Journal, 7/19/09]

 

Redford Police Department will spend Recovery Act money to overhaul radio system to meet FCC deadline.  “Redford police have been approved for a $400,000 grant that will enable the department to upgrade its communication system.  The money will be provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, police Chief John Buck said Friday, enabling the department to replace 115 mobile radios currently in squad cars or carried by individual officers… The township was hoping to upgrade its communication system by 2013 to comply with a mandate from the Federal Communication Commission.  But the grant will enable the township to comply with the law without straining its budget, said Supervisor Tracey Schultz Kobylarz.” [Detroit Observer, 7/19/09]

 

Recovery Act disbursement to Detroit public school system saved 192 teaching jobs.  “Detroit Public Schools announced today a $148 million plan to invest in academics in the district, including reducing class sizes, bolstering extended day programs and training teachers.  The program will be funded through federal stimulus money, district officials announced at a press conference at the Academy of the Americas.  The investment amounts to $1,750 per Detroit child and should save the jobs of 192 teachers, largely through class size reduction, [emergency financial manager Robert] Bobb said.  ‘Detroit's children deserve the same opportunities and technologies as their peers in the suburbs and private schools, and this plan opens the gate for those chances,’ said Barbara Byrd-Bennett, the district's chief academic and accountability auditor.” [Detroit News, 7/16/09]

 

Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs disseminated Recovery Act funds to 30 arts organizations to sustain employment.  “Like a gentle summer rain, more federal stimulus money is sprinkling down on Michigan arts-and-culture nonprofits badly parched by the economic crisis.  The state-run Michigan Council for the Arts & Cultural Affairs announced Friday it's distributing $345,000 in federal money to 30 groups across the state, all intended to preserve jobs in the hard-hit cultural sector.” [Detroit News, 7/15/09]

 

Detroit schools plan to improve systems using advice from consultants hired with Recovery Act funds.  “Four private education management firms will work to turn around what one administrator called ‘shameful’ achievement records at 17 Detroit high schools, according to the Education Report. The companies are Edison Learning and Institute for Achievement, both based in New York; Ed Works, based in Cincinnati; and the Model Secondary Schools Project, based in Washington, according to The Detroit News. Each has received a multiyear, ‘several-million dollar’ contract from Detroit Public Schools, paid for with federal stimulus money.” [The Examiner, 7/14/09]

 

Recovery Act-Backed conservation innovation grants designated for 55 projects in Michigan to increase resource sustainability.  “Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was in Michigan on Monday to discuss the federal government's plans to preserve rural communities, stimulate the state's $71.3 billion agriculture industry and highlight the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act efforts in the state… Vilsack highlighted benefits Michigan residents will receive from the recovery act… Michigan is one of Vilsack's first stops on a tour the administration launched in June that will include 15 to 20 states.  Michigan's diverse agricultural industry puts the state in a prime position for future success in farming and alternative energy, he said.” [Detroit News, 7/14/09]

 

Cherry Street Health services enlisted Recovery Act funds to hire 13 new personnel to accommodate increase in clinic demand.  “Cherry Street Health Services in Kent County provides health care for the uninsured or underinsured.  The organizations will receive more than $2 million in federal stimulus funds.  $1.8 million is for construction and equipment and $600,000 is for operations of the health services.  Plus, Cherry Street Health Services is applying for more stimulus money.  About 55,000 people will turn to Cherry Street Health Services this year for medical, dental, and vision care.  Cherry Street expects to help about 12,000 more patients over the next two years because of more than $600,000 in federal stimulus money… Cherry Street will use the recovery act money to hire 12 to 13 people including a doctor, medical assistants, office staffers, as well as two dentists, a dental hygienist, and dental assistants.” [WZZM – ABC, 7/13/09]

 

East Lansing obtained Recovery Act grant for revamping of 5 downtown structures with energy-efficient lighting.  “With newly appropriated funds from the federal government, East Lansing city buildings will be lit with a more environmentally friendly light.  An Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which is being allocated under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, or ARRA, will give East Lansing $213,200 to use toward energy conservation. City officials decided the best way to use those funds would be to update lighting in city-owned buildings to reduce energy use.” [State News, 7/13/09]

 

Recovery Act-backed transition to electronic medical records expected to be a boon for medical IT firms such as EnovateIT L.L.C.  “Ferndale-based EnovateIT L.L.C. sees itself on a plateau between two periods of strong growth — with the next growth period expected to be by mandate of the federal government.  The manufacturer of carts, wall-mounted computing stations and other IT-related products for hospitals and physicians' offices expects business to surge again within a year because of provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act affecting electronic medical records, said President Ron Sgro and Vice President Fred Calero… ‘Because of the national economy affecting everything right now, we expect at best to be flat in 2009,’ Calero said.  ‘And because the stimulus incentives to hospitals come on the back end, with greater Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, we think right now they are looking more at which systems they want and making queries more than purchases.’  The $787 billion federal stimulus package includes $19 billion in incentive payments for health care IT programs, where hospitals and physicians receive greater Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement if they meet federal criteria for adopting electronic medical records between 2011 and 2013.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 7/12/09]

 

SBA district director imputes increase in Detroit SBA loans to Recovery Act provisions.  “With June's U.S. Small Business Administration loan tallies in, it seems that SBA-backed lending is regaining ground… This June, SBA District Director Richard Temkin said, 112 loans were made statewide through the SBA's popular 7(a) program, up from May and April, when 102 7(a) loans were made.  ‘Last June we did 154, so we're closing the gap ever so slightly,’ Temkin said.  In the first six months of its fiscal year, the SBA backed an average of 65 such loans a month.  Temkin has pointed to changes made on the federal level through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a catalyst for the uptick in lending.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 7/12/09]

 

Portage Real Estate representative credits first-time homebuyer Recovery Act provisions with increasing sales.  “At a time when much of the real estate market continues to decline, a local home-building company is finding success targeting first-time homebuyers.  Allen Edwin Homes sold 58 new homes in West Michigan in June, a record monthly result, said Greg DeHaan, vice president of the Portage-based company.  By comparison, Allen Edwin sold 37 homes in June 2008. ‘I think it's a testament to the stimulus that's in place for first-time homebuyers,;' DeHaan said.   As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the $787 billion federal stimulus package signed into law this year, people who haven't owned a home in the previous three years can get an $8,000 tax credit for buying a house before Dec. 1.” [Kalamazoo Gazette, 7/11/09]

 

Michigan Works employment agency used a Recovery Act grant to employ over 800 low-income young people.  “A team of Bay County youths armed with landscape rakes and a little gusto have launched an offensive on the beach muck at the Bay City State Recreation Area.  The young laborers, mostly ages 16 to 24, are being put to work for the next six weeks using federal stimulus dollars channeled through Michigan Works, the region's workforce development agency.”  Director of Michigan Works for the Great Lakes Bay Region:  “It's targeted toward young people from low-income families.  The goal is to help as many young people as possible get a summer job, and we're up over 800 right now, so we're doing pretty good in that regard.” [Bay City Times, 7/9/09]

 

Recovery Act-funded grants awarded to 10 arts-and-culture organizations to prevent layoffs.  “When you think ‘federal stimulus funds,’ you tend to think shovel-ready projects.  But part of the massive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that Congress passed early this year to kick-start the economy included dollars for the National Endowment for the Arts, which now has released $400,000 in grants to 10 arts-and-culture organizations across southeast Michigan.  The funds are intended to prevent layoffs, in this case in the nonprofit sector, hard hit by a drop in charitable giving following the economic collapse. In Detroit, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Mosaic Youth Theatre each will receive $50,000. The Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Southfield will get $25,000, as will both the ArtTrain museum and Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor.  The rest of the money goes to organizations outside the Metro Detroit area.” [Detroit News, 7/8/09]

 

$10 million Recovery Act grant for the cleaning of Muskegon Lake and the restoration of wildlife habitat projected to create or retain 125 construction and engineering jobs.  “Contaminated sediments will be removed from Muskegon Lake and wildlife habitat will be restored as part of a $10 million project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act… In a statement released last week Lt. Gov. John Cherry, Chairman of the Great Lakes commission, said that the grant will ‘create or retain 125 construction and engineering jobs.’ A recent study by the Brookings Institute found that cleaning up areas like Muskegon Lake will also increase local property values, tourism and recreational opportunities.” [Michigan Messenger, 7/7/09]

 

$237,000 from Recovery Act disbursed to the village of Onsted for the replacement of a water pumping station.  “The village of Onsted has been awarded $237,000 in federal stimulus money to enhance its water system.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included approximately $3.7 billion in loans and grants for rural water and wastewater infrastructure through the existing U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal loan and grant program, according to the release.” [Adrian Daily Telegram, 7/7/09]

 

The Family Health Center of Battle Creek has received a total of $1.6 million in Recovery Act funds to upgrade facilities and to accommodate increased demand for services.  “The Family Health Center of Battle Creek is getting more than $1.2 million in federal money to upgrade its facilities. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is coming through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Bedford Township, announced the award Monday. The Family Health Center of Battle Creek received a grant of $373,000 through the Recovery Act earlier this year to accommodate increased demand for services, bringing its total funding through the program to $1,620,364.” [Battle Creek Inquirer, 6/30/09]

 

Recovery Act funds for a major wetland and wildlife habitat restoration project on Muskegon Lake is expected to support 125 jobs.  “Federal stimulus dollars totaling $10 million have been awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) for a major wetland and wildlife habitat restoration project on Muskegon Lake, Michigan, along the east shoreline of Lake Michigan… The project will also remove more than 180,000 tons of degraded lake bottom sediment to improve aquatic habitat for fish and other species.  The project is also designed to create jobs. It is projected to create 40,000 labor hours to support 125 jobs.” [WZZM ABC 13, 6/30/09]

 

$3 Million in Recovery Act funds allocated to I-69 and I-94 Interchange reconstruction.  “The Michigan Department of Transportation awarded Detroit-based Parsons Brinckerhoff the $3 million design contract for the reconstruction of the I-69 and I-94 interchange as part of the $533 million new Blue Water Bridge plaza in Port Huron.  The project involves four miles of roadway and eight bridges.  Work is scheduled to begin in 2011 and be finished in 2012.  The company also built and financed the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel in 1928 and designed Detroit’s $18.3 million Rosa Parks Transit Center, under construction now at Cass and Michigan avenues.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 6/28/09]

 

Over $63,000 Recovery Act dollars used to augment law enforcement inventories in Mason County area.  “Law enforcement agencies in Mason and surrounding counties will be receiving more than $63,000 collectively in stimulus funds to purchase equipment they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford this year.  Local agencies receiving American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds are the Ludington Police Department, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Oceana County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.” [Ludington Daily News, 6/25/09]

 

Over $3 million in Recovery Act funds will be accepted by federally-qualified health centers in Detroit, expanding healthcare delivery to depressed areas.  “Detroit's five federally qualified health centers are expecting to receive more than $3 million in federal stimulus dollars in early July to fund much-needed capital expansion projects to accommodate a growing number of uninsured patients.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 6/14/09]

 

SBA loans see exponential increase in Detroit, moving from 65 percent in the first quarter to 102 percent following Recovery Act provisions.  “After a dismal six months, the number of U.S. Small Business Administration-backed loans is moving up — and SBA District Director Richard Temkin is hopeful the trend will continue.” [Crain’s Detroit Business, 6/7/09]

 

$1.2 billion in Recovery Act monies support statewide employment program targeting youths.  “This summer, more than 304,000 teenagers are expected to seek jobs in our state. The federal stimulus is making that hunt easier by funding a job training program, creating hundreds of summer jobs.  17-year-old Adrianna Erb of Montague is experiencing the crunch many teens are facing when it comes to finding a summer job.  ‘It has been hard. All the jobs are full or they are not hiring,’ she says. ‘I need money for college.’” [WZZM – ABC, 6/5/09]

 

State Fiscal Stabilization fund provides Michigan with $1 billion from Recovery Act to reform schools and sustain teacher salaries.   Senator Stabenow:  “We need to provide our children with a world-class education, so they can compete in the global economy.  During these tough economic times, I am so pleased Michigan will receive this important funding to keep our teachers in the classroom and ensure our children are receiving the education they deserve.”  Senator Levin:  “A great education is one of the most important things we can provide to our children.  I am hopeful that this federal economic recovery funding will help school districts across Michigan avoid painful budget cuts and prepare our young people to succeed in the 21st century.” [WPBN-WTOM, 6/3/09]

 

The National Institutes of Health has allocated $2,722,910 in Recovery Act funds to six Michigan universities to promote health care research and job training.  Senator Stabenow:  “I’m pleased this recovery funding will help support important health care research and training across our state.  By investing in health care research at our universities and research institutes, we will help keep our families healthy and help create good-paying jobs in the process.”  Senator Levin:  “This economic recovery funding will help to preserve and create jobs in Michigan while also investing in important medical research.  Michigan’s top-notch universities are well-equipped to put this funding to good use.” [Press Release – Sen. Carl Levin, 6/3/09]

 

Trail construction begins on $800,000 Recovery Act project in Clare County.  “Funded with $800,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the project is expected to be completed by July 22, weather permitting, according to Jack Hofweber of the Michigan Department of Transportation.” [Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun, 6/3/09]

 

Recovery Act funds will be used to improve roads, fish habitat, and water quality in forest areas.  “The money announced Tuesday covers projects in Alcona, Alger, Delta, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Lake, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Muskegon, Newaygo and Wexford counties. The cash comes from the U.S. Forest Service.  Most of the money is targeted to improve roads, fish habitat and water quality in forest areas.  Other projects are designed to improve access to streams and improve the quality of road and trail signs.” [Associated Press, 6/3/09]

 

Five colleges and one research institute will receive stimulus funds to support health care research and training. The funding was announced today for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Oakland University, Calvin College and the Van Andel Research Institute. The money will support health care research and training. U-M will get nearly half of the funding.” [Detroit Free Press, 6/2/09]

 

Wayne County will receive $50 million in tax credits to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.  Senator Stabenow:  “The global credit crisis has not only hurt our economy, but has dried up the investment capital needed to turn things around.  Making $50 million in tax credits available serves as a valuable tool to spur private investment in southeastern Michigan, create jobs, and promote economic growth.”  Senator Levin:  “This federal economic recovery funding will help spur economic growth in southeast Michigan during a difficult economic stretch.  I am hopeful that this partnership will help Wayne County attract investment and create jobs.” [Press Release- Senators Levin and Stabenow, 6/1/09]

 

Approximately $2 Million Recovery Act dollars used to spur growth of Benzie Bus and Bay Area.  “The Benzie Transportation Authority and the Bay Area Transportation Authority stand to receive nearly $2 million collectively in federal stimulus dollars to buy new buses and create a transit facility near Honor.  The funding will allow both agencies to retire older buses in exchange for more efficient vehicles that release fewer emissions. [Traverse City Record-Eagle, 6/1/09]

 

Recovery Act funds for rural transit in Michigan should create between 100 and 200 jobs. [States News Service, 5/28/09]

 

Car-manufacturing communities will receive $50 in Recovery Act funds to train laid-off auto workers for jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. [Associated Press, 5/21/09]

 

Several rural Michigan communities will receive Recovery Act funds to buy equipment.  Alger, Allegan, Antrim, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Mackinac, Marquette, Mecosta, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Schoolcraft and Van Buren counties will receive stimulus funds to buy police vehicles, fire trucks, snow plows, and other equipment. [Associated Press, 5/20/09]

 

Michigan has already received half of its federal stimulus money. [The Detroit News, 3/18/09]

 

Recovery Act money will stave off a cut in the state’s per-student funding for 2009-2010. [Kalamazoo Gazette, 5/12/09]

 

$10 million in Recovery Act  funds will repair crumbling sea walls in Saugatuck Harbor.  “We figure that means 80 direct and 200 indirect jobs. Plus long-needed work gets done to maintain a navigable channel there.” [Allegan Commercial Record, 5/6/09]

 

Port Huron company held Recovery Act education seminar to teach locals how to benefit from Recovery Act funds. [The Times Herald, 5/7/09]