Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation today in announcing Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a wide range of projects underscoring the state’s dedication to making Michigan a business-friendly state and supporting projects that create places for talent and visitors alike to enjoy and build a future. Today’s projects will strengthen Michigan’s leadership position in future mobility and advanced manufacturing, and revitalize communities across both peninsulas.
“Today’s economic development approvals will create over 6,400 jobs, build nearly 700 housing units, revitalize downtowns across the state, and advance Michigan’s leadership in the future of mobility,” said Governor Whitmer. “Year over year, our economy has added 75,000 jobs, and we are building on our strong economic momentum with today’s investments. Our economic development strategy is an all-of-the-above approach, as we simultaneously work to bring manufacturing jobs and supply chains home while building housing and investing in community revitalization efforts. Together, we will make Michigan the best state to live, work, and invest. Let’s keep getting it done.”
The City of Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Authority received MSF approval of $3,835,399 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of brownfield activities at the City of Marquette Blight Clearance Project in Marquette. The project will include the demolition of buildings at the site of the former Marquette General Hospital as well as structure and site demolition and lead, asbestos and mold abatement.
The city expects that eliminating the functional obsolescence conditions at the site will spur future private investment, pedestrian activity and connectivity for Northern Michigan University neighborhoods.
In February, the Michigan Strategic Fund awarded up to $8 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the project that will be wholly dedicated toward blight elimination at the site. The tax capture approved today includes reimbursement for the remaining eligible activity costs that were not included in the CDBG award.
Located near the Northern Michigan University (NMU) campus, the site is an attractive location for much-needed housing and other amenities that could complement the neighborhood, NMU, and nearby 3rd Street business corridor. An economic feasibility analysis shows the viability of an estimated $166 million mixed-use development, featuring a wide range of housing, retail and commercial space, and greenspace and pedestrian corridors to better connect the development and surrounding neighborhoods to NMU’s campus.
The total estimated cost for MSF brownfield non-environmental activities is $8,246,000. The project is supported by regional economic development partner InvestUP, the Northern Michigan University Foundation, local legislators, community stakeholders and residents. The city of Marquette will serve as the grantee of the project and will provide expedited review and permitting as part of the project process. The city is certified with MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program.
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