State House Considers Using Federal Money For Site Readiness Program

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Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation designed to attract more investments in the state. It would set up a Michigan Strategic Site Readiness program for federal money to be used as incentives to companies looking to grow. Wendy Block from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce says the issue went to the forefront when Ford announced new investments outside of Michigan.

“Time is certainly of the essence here,” Block told lawmakers. “As I think we all know, there are a few transformational projects in the pipeline, generational investments, really, that we would like to be made in Michigan, projects that may be announced as early as January.”

Supporters of the legislation are hoping to put it before the governor before the end of the year. Opponents say Michigan already has a strategic fund that can be used to give incentives to businesses and that infrastructure is more important at this time.