GRANHOLM - Governor Brings Economic Message to Northern Michigan

LANSING – Continuing to emphasize job creation in local communities, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited five counties in northern Michigan to share her economic plan with citizens and business leaders.

“No matter where you live or in what profession you work, creating jobs is our first order of business across Michigan,” Granholm said. “From Wexford County to Wayne County, we’re going to make sure that every community is supported by the backbone of a strong local economy.”

The Governor met with members of the Cadillac, Gaylord, Kalkaska, Lake City and Mancelona Chambers of Commerce in a series of town hall style meetings. Walking business leaders through her proposal to retool the state’s business tax structure, Granholm noted that 75 percent of business taxpayers throughout the state would receive a significant rate cut and a variety of industries in northern Michigan – from manufacturing to small businesses – would benefit from new tax credits.

The Governor also highlighted her Jobs Today Initiative which will create tens of thousands of jobs over the next three years through a rapid acceleration of state and local investment in critical infrastructure projects. Granholm noted several pieces of the initiative already underway in northern Michigan. As part of the budget agreement that set Jobs Today in motion, Gaylord Airport will receive $632,000 to upgrade its terminal building. Jobs Today will also speed $100,000 in funding for a hazardous pollution cleanup project in Chester Township.

In addition, the Governor announced new projects through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to accelerate the repair of two local bridges. In Mecosta County, $300,000 will be made available to fix a bridge on 9 Mile Road over the East Branch of the Muskegon River. In Missaukee County, $362,000 will be directed to a bridge on 7 Mile Road over the Clam River.

In late March, MDOT announced new projects in Wexford County as well, including $864,000 to reconstruct South Townline Road and $120,000 to eliminate erosion and improve safety at the Hoden-Pyle scenic turnout on M-37 south of Mesick.

“These projects are a win-win for northern Michigan,” Granholm said. “We’re making communities safer and enhancing the quality of life for our families, while putting scores of people to work in everything from white collar engineering jobs to blue collar construction jobs.”

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