Granholm says economic recovery package will create jobs today, jobs tomorrow

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today met with local officials in Howell and Ypsilanti to discuss drinking water infrastructure projects in their communities that are eligible for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  In her meetings, the governor highlighted the statewide impact stimulus funding will bring by creating new jobs and allowing Michigan to make needed investments in its infrastructure.

"Michigan will use this federal recovery funding to create all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people," Granholm said.  "These projects mean jobs for Michigan workers and more vibrant communities for Michigan families."

The recovery funds will provide Michigan with an additional $66 million to invest in critical drinking water system projects.  Under the terms of the ARRA, Michigan will allocate drinking water funding through the state's Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF), a program in place since 1996 that has provided more than $527 million in assistance to local communities.

The governor noted that using the existing DWRF process ensures that the projects receiving stimulus funding have been thoroughly reviewed and are shovel-ready.  Michigan is still awaiting guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before final decisions can be made on funding amounts for specific projects.  However, the administration is working on the execution of this program and identifying barriers and obstacles that could stand in the way of a quick implementation of the recovery act.

"Michigan has been a leader in making the investments necessary to improve our infrastructure and encourage new economic development within our communities," Granholm said.  "This funding alone will not solve every need, but by working with our community partners, we will ensure that we are providing the best benefit possible for Michigan and its residents."

The governor said that the administration has been working for some time on the implementation of the recovery program, an effort she formalized last week with the establishment of a Michigan Economic Recovery Office.  Leslee Fritz, a member of the governor's executive office communications' team, has been tapped to spearhead that effort.  Up-to-date information on the state's economic recovery plan is available online at www.michigan.gov/recovery.

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