It looks like a couple of projects in Bay County will be benefiting from economic development grants that are coming from the Transportation Economic Development Fund.
The grants, which the
Michigan Department of Transportation says totals over $1.3 million, will leverage more than $28.3 million in private investment to help create and retain jobs as well as get some much needed progress done on projects across the state.
"These grants represent a vital partnership between MDOT and local governments and road commissions, which helps to attract investment and economic development," says state transportation director Kirk Steudle. "The grants will fund transportation improvements that will result in increased employment opportunities for Michigan residents in Bay, Huron and Oakland counties."
In Bay County, grants will help develop the 43-acre brownfield site on the Saginaw River known as Uptown Bay City. One tenant already known to be taking up residence there will be Dow Corning, which will occupy a new $25 million, four-story, 100,000-square-food office building that will house between 400 and 500 current employees. Additionally, Corning is expected to ad 60 more jobs by 2017. Access to the new development and the Dow Corning offices will be via Saginaw Street to the proposed East Main Street, which will lead directly into the new development. Currently, there is no access to the Dow Corning building and Saginaw Street is deteriorated with a road surface in rough shape. The project will include a complete restoration of Saginaw Street from Sixth Street to Tenth Street, replacing the adjacent curbs and sidewalks as part of the work. A newly constructed East Main Street will provide access to the Dow facility and other developments within the Uptown Bay City development.
The estimated cost of the project is $1,921,638, including $709,303 in state TEDF funds, $881,342 in federal funds and $330,993 in local match from the city.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation
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