Michigan looking for 'shovel-ready' stimulus projects

NEWS RELEASE

SENATOR JASON ALLEN REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN ELSENHEIMER

REPRESENTATIVE WAYNE SCHMIDT

************************* Northern lawmakers want long-term benefits from potential federal stimulus money

Elsenheimer, Allen, Schmidt helping gather ideas for area projects

Three area lawmakers have joined the search to identify local projects that Michigan can submit for possible federal funding through an expected $2.6 billion state economic recovery package.

House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, Senator Jason Allen and Representative Wayne Schmidt this past week received a memo from the governor requesting their help in submitting “shovel-ready” projects by January 30 that the administration can consider for federal stimulus funding.

“Our state can’t afford to let a penny of this potential windfall slip away for one-time uses to cover the state’s current bills or past mistakes,” said Allen, of Traverse City. “We need to focus on the projects that benefit local communities with job creation as well as provide a return on the investment into the future.”

Elsenheimer said he has been talking with area leaders, elected officials and government bodies to develop a list of local projects that will lead to long-term jobs that can get the local and state economy back on track.

“This could be a great opportunity for communities to move forward on important projects that have been delayed because of funding,” said Elsenheimer, of Kewadin. “If the decisions are made wisely, it’s also an opportunity to make meaningful long-term investments that can help begin turning Michigan’s economy around.”

Schmidt agreed that the foremost priority of the stimulus package should be long-term investments into our economy.

“We are here to help our communities take advantage of this possibility being offered by the federal government and at the same time we have to remember that this isn’t free money,” said Schmidt, of Traverse City. “These will be our taxpayer dollars, so we want to make sure we get our share but we also need to ensure they are used in our residents’ best interest.”

The governor in her memo said the goal of the program is to identify projects that will preserve and create job opportunities in the short term and improve Michigan’s economy and infrastructure in the long term.

Criteria for eligible projects include a start within 180 days of passage of the federal economic stimulus package; project completion within two years; and the preservation or creation of employment.

Emphasis will also be given to helping economically disadvantaged areas and projects that include “greening opportunities and sustainability measures.”

Community leaders working on local projects are encouraged to contact Elsenheimer at 1-877-536-4105 by e-mail; Allen at 1-866-525-5637 or by e-mail; or Schmidt at 1-800-REP-1046 or by e-mail.

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