October 3, 2006

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director, Steven E. Chester, announced today that funds have been awarded to a brownfield redevelopment project in Muskegon Heights. The project will utilize a $1,000,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and a $1,000,000 Revitalization Loan to address environmental concerns and facilitate development of two properties in Muskegon Heights with as many as 90 new homes.

The funding was awarded as a part of Governor Granholm’s Jobs Today Initiative that has put thousands of Michigan residents to work through acceleration of construction and development projects, and the funding announced today is anticipated to facilitate private investment of $10 to $19 million to Muskegon Heights, one of Governor Granholm’s Cities of Promise.

“We want to provide Michigan's cities with as many tools as possible to make their communities places where people are eager to work, live, and raise families,” said Governor Granholm. “Our plan to create jobs and transform Michigan’s economy includes creating Cities of Promise that are inviting, thriving, and prosperous communities.”

The city has partnered with the DEQ and Mona Terrace LLC to construct up to 95 new homes over a period of five to six years at the site of the old wastewater treatment plant. The DEQ funding will be used to investigate and dispose of contaminated soil and to demolish the former wastewater treatment plant’s concrete tanks.

“This project will attract new families to Muskegon Heights, and create vibrant neighborhoods in the community,” said Director Chester. “It is a demonstration of our commitment to providing for a healthy environment and a healthy economy throughout Michigan.”

The Brownfield Redevelopment Program provides funding to local governments for environmental response activities on brownfield properties where redevelopment is proposed. Brownfield properties are vacant or abandoned properties with known or suspected environmental contamination. The Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program was initiated in 1988, and has provided over $129 million for 302 projects statewide.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised October 3, 2006 by Pat Watson