Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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December 13, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2021
Contact: Press@michigan.gov
Gov. Whitmer on Detroit Region Being Named Finalist for up to $100 Million Grant to Grow Economy
Detroit Regional Partnership coalition awarded $500,000 planning grant around advanced mobility cluster as region sets to compete for up to $100 million grant funding
LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) today in announcing DRP has successfully applied for a $500,000 planning grant and advanced to Phase 2 of the Economic Development Administration's $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. DRP's planning grant will focus on growing and leveraging the region's automotive, engineering, design, and manufacturing strengths around an advanced mobility cluster, while the coalition is a finalist to compete for the $100 million grant funding to implement that plan.
"Michigan put the world on wheels, and we are working together today to continue to build the future of mobility and electrification here in our state," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Thanks to the hard work and tireless advocacy of partners, led by the Detroit Regional Partnership,?the Detroit Region?is poised to receive up to $100 million in grant funding that will add incredible momentum to our efforts to put Michiganders first, create good-paying jobs, invest in communities and usher in a new era of prosperity."
A coalition led by the DRP will compete as one of 60 nationwide finalists for up to $100 million per grantee in American Rescue Plan Act funds for transformational economic programs that grow new industries or scale existing ones. The DRP's application highlighted how the 11-county region could leverage its automotive, engineering, design, and manufacturing strengths to create a smart, sustainable, and inclusive advanced mobility cluster. In Phase 2, finalists will compete for significant implementation assistance. EDA will award 20- 30 coalitions each up to $100 million. These awards will assist communities in executing ambitious plans to supercharge their regional economies across a variety of strategic growth sectors. Announcement of Phase 2 grant recipients is expected this spring.
"This region came together and put together a really compelling application around advanced mobility," said Maureen Donohue Krauss, CEO of the DRP. "We are pleased with the result and ready to get to work with our regional partners on Phase 2. Given our region's legacy of innovation and collective assets, we are eager to make our case to the EDA that there's no better bet to accelerate this country's economic recovery than the Detroit Region."
The Detroit Region's Phase 1 application outlined how it would help companies innovate and transition while securing the talent and infrastructure needed as electrification and autonomous technology redefine mobility. Projects under the region's plan could include things such as a regional tech incubator, new proving and testing grounds, an advanced mobility innovation district, site readiness programs, and a radical inclusion accelerator.
As part of the process, applicants needed to form regional coalitions to submit projects organized under a single plan that foster economic growth and competitiveness through job creation, capacity building, and attracting private investment. The EDA is also placing a high priority on equity and inclusion, industry engagement, and sustainability. The DRP served as the regional convener and lead applicant for the grant, submitting the application on behalf of the region in October with 115 letters of support and coordinating with the Governor's Office.
"Congratulations to Detroit Regional Partnership and the entire Detroit Region on this significant recognition and acknowledgement by the EDA that the work being done to strengthen, evolve and grow automotive manufacturing and advanced mobility industries here in Michigan will be vital to strengthening the economy throughout the U.S. in the coming years," said Quentin L. Messer, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "We are all working together as part of Team Michigan to build and grow an economy that provides opportunity for our businesses, our workforce and families all across the state. This announcement, and other EDA opportunities like this, gets us another step forward in that effort."
Read the announcement from the Detroit Regional Partnership here.
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