April 29, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding that will lead to the creation of 35 new jobs and spur $1.5 million in private investment in Port Huron Charter Township. The grant, made available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), will be used to help facilitate the expansion of cutting tool manufacturer, Mapal Aaro Inc.

“This is great news for the township,” Granholm said.  “This funding will make sure that Mapal Aaro stays and grows in Michigan, adding more good-paying manufacturing jobs to our employment base.”

In her 2004 State of the State address, Governor Granholm announced a focused seven-point plan for economic growth. So far this year, the Governor and the MEDC have announced the creation or retention of approximately 5,638 jobs as a result of targeted assistance provided by the MEDC.

The Port Huron project is one of five announced today by the MEDC. Combined, the projects will create a total of 229 jobs for Michigan workers. The other projects involve company expansions or new facilities in Lansing, Marquette and Yale and a downtown infrastructure project in Dexter.

The township will construct a public parking lot and provide training resources to 85 existing and 35 new employees to facilitate the expansion.

“This project demonstrates the flexibility of the CDBG program,” MEDC President and CEO Don Jakeway said. “Not only does it address public infrastructure needs, but it gives the community a powerful tool to address employer issues like training in order to retain and create jobs in the community.”

Mapal Aaro specializes in the manufacture of high-precision cutting tools used in many automotive applications.  The company plans to invest $1.5 million in the expansion.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation administers the state’s block grant program with funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds are used to provide grants and loans to eligible counties, cities, villages and townships—typically those with populations less than 50,000—for economic development, community development and housing projects.

Each year, Michigan receives approximately $50 million in federal block grant funds. There are 1,655 local governments within the state eligible to apply for these funds.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.

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