Sens. Stabenow, Peters unveil grants to spur Western Michigan economy

The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission will receive $62,500 and the commission and Michigan State University will receive $111,706 in grant money from the Economic Development Administration.    Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Gary Peters, D-Mich., announced two Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants this week designed to facilitate economic development in Western Michigan.
   The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission will receive $62,500. This grant is designed to increase the flow of locally manufactured goods through the Port of Muskegon, situated along the coast of Lake Michigan.
   In addition, the commission and Michigan State University will receive $111,706 to study the economic benefits of using the port to recycle and reuse structural debris from around the Great Lakes for other regional projects.
   The grants will help the commission analyze the Port of Muskegon’s existing infrastructure and make recommendations as to how it could be improved, which in turn will increase shipping opportunities and be beneficial to the economy, according to the senators.
   In addition, the EDA support will encourage the use of the port to transport structural materials such as asphalt, bricks and cement from blighted properties to be used for other regional projects; and benefit farm communities and local businesses that want to export products across the region.
   “One of Muskegon’s top priorities is to increase the flow of goods like agricultural products through their port,” Senator Stabenow said. “This support will help the commission develop the port and expand shipping opportunities, which will create jobs, boost the local economy and benefit communities and families throughout the region.”