Community Project Funding
Overview
The following Community Projects are those being submitted by Representative Hillary Scholten on behalf of Michigan’s 3rd District. Our office received many strong applications, and Congresswoman Scholten was only able to submit 15 project requests out of applications received. Those requests must be for state governments, local governments, or government-adjacent organizations. Final decisions on which projects ultimately receive funding will be made by the House Committee on Appropriations later this year and must be passed through the Fiscal Year 2025 Congressional budget process.
Rep Scholten will continue to advocate to ensure these projects are funded and deliver results for West Michigan.
FY26 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUESTS
Project: Learn. Transform. Thrive: Building a Home for Literacy
Sponsor: Muskegon County & Read Muskegon
Location: 26 E. Broadway, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Requested Amount: $500,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: Read Muskegon is requesting $500,000 to build a new community literacy center. Specifically, funds would be used for furniture, fixtures, and technology for the renovated facility. The overarching goal is to address illiteracy in Muskegon County and promote workforce development.
Project: Pleasant Hills Phase 3
Sponsor: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Location: 735 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48909
Requested Amount: $1,250,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: MSHDA is requesting $1,250,000 to support the construction of a five-story, 27-unit all-electric affordable homeownership development in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood. Specifically, funds would help cover hard construction costs associated with LEED certification, including energy-efficient appliances and systems. The project will expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families, promote neighborhood stability, and contribute to community revitalization.
Project: Non-motorized, Shared-use Crossing over I-96 at Forest Hill Avenue, SE
Sponsor: City of Kentwood
Location: 4900 Breton Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Requested Amount: $3,200,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The City of Kentwood is requesting $3.2 million to construct a dedicated non-motorized bridge over I-96 at Forest Hill Avenue, connecting existing pedestrian and bicycle paths on both sides of the highway. The project will enhance safety, expand regional trail access, and reduce reliance on vehicles, creating a critical link between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses in northern and southern Kentwood.
Project: Grand River Neighborhood Enhancement and Accessibility Bridge
Sponsor: Grand Rapids - Kent County Convention and Arena Authority
Location: 303 Monroe Avenue, NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention and Arena Authority is requesting $2,000,000 to support design and construction of a new pedestrian bridge across the Grand River. Specifically, funds would be used for planning, site preparation, accessibility features, and integration with transit and downtown infrastructure. The overarching goal is to improve safety, walkability, economic connectivity, and equitable access between neighborhoods, transit hubs, and commercial centers in downtown Grand Rapids.
Project: Patterson Avenue Resurfacing
Sponsor: Kent County Road Commission
Location:1900 4 Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Requested Amount: $1,200,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: Kent County Road Commission is requesting $1.2 million to conduct a full-depth asphalt resurfacing of a section of Patterson Avenue.
Project: Village of Fruitport Shoreline Access and Trails
Sponsor: Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
Location: 45 N 2nd Avenue, Fruitport, MI 49415
Requested Amount: $464,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The Village of Fruitport is requesting $464,000 to build barrier-free shoreline trails, additional walking paths through a wooded ravine, native landscaping, seating areas, historical signage, and a parking lot near Pomona Park. Specifically, funds would be used for site preparation, pathway construction, parking lot installation, and landscaping improvements. The overarching goal is to expand public access to Spring Lake, promote outdoor recreation, and enhance community health.
Project: Advanced Manufacturing Training Equipment
Sponsor: Muskegon Area Intermediate School District
Location: 630 Harvey Street, Muskegon, MI 49442
Requested Amount: $750,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: Muskegon Area Intermediate School District is requesting $750,000 to purchase advanced manufacturing training equipment for high school students and adult learners. Specifically, funds would be used to equip the Career Tech Center and Goodwill workforce programs with CNC machines, welding equipment, robotics trainers, and precision tools. The overarching goal is to expand access to in-demand manufacturing careers, support local defense and aerospace employers, and drive economic mobility in Muskegon County.
Project: Creating Child Care Opportunities in a Downtown Transit Hub
Sponsor: Interurban Transit Partnership
Location: 300 Ellsworth Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The Rapid is requesting $2 million to creat child care opportunities at the Downtown Grand Rapids Transit Hub. Specifically the funds would be used for construction and renovation of the Central Station Early Childhood Center. The overarching goal is to expand free and affordable child care options, supporting workforce participation and community development.
Project: Broadway Avenue Reconstruction & Streetscape – Phase II
Sponsor: City of Muskegon Heights
Location: 2724 Peck Street, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Requested Amount: $7,364,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The City of Muskegon Heights is requesting $7,364,000 to complete Phase II of the Broadway Avenue Reconstruction and Streetscape project, revitalizing a key corridor between Peck and Baker Streets. Specifically, funds would be used for roadway reconstruction, protected bike lanes, streetscape improvements, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance pedestrian safety, attract business investment, and support long-term economic development in an underserved community experiencing decades of disinvestment.
Project: Taxiway B Lighting Replacement
Sponsor: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA)
Location: 5500 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Requested Amount: $801,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority is requesting $801,000 to replace the aging lighting system on Taxiway B. Specifically, funds would be used to install energy-efficient, resilient lighting infrastructure to improve visibility and operational safety during low-visibility and nighttime conditions. The overarching goal is to ensure the continued safe, efficient operation of the airport's primary parallel taxiway and enhance the airport's overall reliability for West Michigan travelers and businesses.
Project: Renew Harbor Island
Sponsor: City of Grand Haven
Location: 519 Washington Avenue Grand Haven, MI 49147
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The City of Grand Haven is requesting $2 million to remediate environmental contamination at Harbor Island, which is home to an orphaned electricty plant. Specifically, funds would be used for hazardous material removal, groundwater protection, and site restoration. The overarching goal is to protect drinking water sources, prevent PFAS pollution of the Great Lakes, and return the site to public use.
Project: Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility UV Disinfection Upgrade Project
Sponsor: City of Grand Rapids
Location: 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $4,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The City of Grand Rapids is requesting $4 million to upgrade the UV disinfection system at the Water Resource Recovery Facility. Specifically, funds would be used for design and construction of a new system to replace outdated, failing equipment. The overarching goal is to ensure continued EPA compliance, protect public health, and safeguard the Grand River and Lake Michigan by maintaining effective wastewater disinfection.
Project: Krause Memorial Library Expansion
Sponsor: City of Rockford
Location: 7 South Monroe Street Rockford, MI 49341
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: The City of Rockford is requesting $2 million to expand and renovate Krause Memorial Library. Specifically, funds would be used for construction and furnishings to double the library's size and improve accessibility. The overarching goal is to meet growing community demand for library services and to promote literacy and education.
Project: West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium
Sponsor: Grand Valley State University
Location: 1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI 49401
Requested Amount: $1,900,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: GVSU is requesting $1.9 million to establish the West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium. Specifically, the funds would be used for hardware and computing resources, software, licensing, and cloud services. The overarching goal is to position West Michigan as a national leader in responsible AI research and innovation, strengthening U.S. competitiveness and security in emerging technologies.
Project: Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC)
Sponsor: Kent County
Location: 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $750,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: Kent County is requesting $750,000 to establish a Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) to support law enforcement efforts in crime prevention, investigation, and response. Specifically, funds would be used to purchase hardware, networking software, and staff training to integrate public and private camera systems into a centralized platform housed within the Kent County Sheriff's Office. The overarching goal is to accelerate suspect identification and improve coordination across jurisdictions in support of criminal justice objectives.
Project: Tallmadge Township Water & Sewer Infrastructure Project
Sponsor: Tallmadge Charter Township
Location: 0-1451 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Requested Amount: $1,350,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to help replace water and sewer lines that have been contaminated with PFAS/PFOS chemicals, which are threatening the health of this rural community. The Township detected PFAS contamination at sites including a daycare facility and a subdivision of approximately 100 homes. These new water and sewer lines would give residents and businesses access to municipal water and sewer and protect the public health of Ottawa County residents.
Project: Krause Memorial Library Expansion
Sponsor: City of Rockford
Location: 140 E Bridge St NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used for the development and expansion of the Krause Memorial Library and would help provide improved library services to residents of the City of Rockford. This project supports a critical public good for a rural community that has doubled in size since the last expansion 35 years ago. It provides a safe place for students after school and meets the social, entertainment, and internet needs of many seniors, staving off isolation.
Project: Kent County James & Shirley Balk Park
Sponsor: County of Kent
Location: 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
Requested Amount: $900,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would help the County of Kent preserve 125 acres of natural area as part of a greater park system that would connect rural communities with several parks and nature reserves throughout the County and West Michigan region. As demand for outdoor spaces grows, this project would help rural communities without major resources develop a quality park system.
Project: Grand River Greenway Trail
Sponsor: County of Kent
Location: Central Kent County
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to construct pathways for pedestrian passage that would connect the region’s largest population centers with rural communities along the watershed, serving as the main artery for the regional trail network that is under development. This project would include three pedestrian crossings that address significant barriers to pedestrian traffic, and it would also connect with two trails operated by the State of Michigan. The Grand River watershed is a major driver of the region’s outdoor recreation economy. By providing an alternative means of transportation throughout the area, the County will be able to protect the delicate ecosystem of the watershed while enabling residents and tourists to enjoy all that the region has to offer.
Project: Patterson Avenue Resurfacing and Intersection Improvements
Sponsor: Kent County Road Commission
Location: Patterson Avenue
Requested Amount: $2,800,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would help the County expand a planned spot repair project to include a longer lasting resurfacing project as well as intersection upgrades. These are needed improvements to accommodate the 12,000+ daily guests at the Gerald R Ford International Airport and the 32,000 vehicles a day that traverse Patterson Avenue. The project would result in fewer traffic interruptions in an expanding commercial and industrial area.
Project: The Rapid’s Collision Avoidance/Pedestrian Alert System
Sponsor: Interurban Transit Partnership
Location: 300 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $1,261,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would outfit the Rapid’s vehicle fleet with collision avoidance systems (CAS), which include advanced pedestrian alert systems (APAS). The CAS and APAS are advanced driver assistance systems that include a variety of safety tools, such as blind spot detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and pedestrian and cyclist collision warning. These systems can be fitted on all public transit vehicles in the Rapid’s fleet and are proven to reduce crashes or decrease their severity, particularly with pedestrians and cyclists. This would reduce injuries and fatalities involving transit vehicles and help the region move closer to its goal of zero traffic fatalities.
Project: Grand River Neighborhood Enhancement and Accessibility Bridge
Sponsor: Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention Arena Authority
Location: From the corners of Watson and Front Streets, SW on the West side of the Grand River to Williams Street, SW on the East side of the Grand River.
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to construct a pedestrian bridge that connects neighborhoods between busy roads and highways, improving safety and providing more transportation options for residents. This project would also increase accessibility for people with disabilities and mobility challenges, making it easier for all residents to access public transportation, schools, and other important services throughout the community.
Project: Outdoor Therapy Center for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Sponsor: County of Kent
Location: 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2206
Requested Amount: $245,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to construct an outdoor therapy center for victims of child sexual abuse and their families. This center would provide an outdoor space for children to play, and utilize sensory elements to process their trauma, in addition to serving as a meeting place for clients. Construction would include acquiring a contractor and landscape architect, accessible play infrastructure, fencing, concrete pathways, all-weather bench seating, rubber and mulch landscaping, a rubber crumb court, and an in-ground basketball hoop.
Project: Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility & Biodigester Improvement Project
Sponsor: City of Grand Rapids
Location: 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to replace the UV disinfection system to improve the city’s water treatment system, in addition to adding a skid for the biodigester that will increase the city’s ability to create renewable natural gas (RNG). This project would also enhance the city’s ability to utilize biodigesters to produce biogas. This biogas is sold as fuel for the Interurban Transit Partnership (the Rapid) and provides fuel for part of the public transit system. An additional cleaning skid would produce more RNG for fuel to close the gap in the Rapid’s current need and meet greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Project: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Terminal Improvement Process
Sponsor: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
Location: 5500 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Requested Amount: $10,179,270
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to construct new ticket counters for check baggage screening operations by the TSA at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). GRR served an all-time record of 3,794,915 passengers in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This funding would support improved and sustainable checked baggage screening operations, which are nearing capacity and are in need of improvements in order to support community demand. Additionally, construction of new counters would provide construction jobs and support new airline and airport service jobs.
Project: Harbor Island Water Treatment Remediation
Sponsor: City of Grand Haven
Location: 519 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to support cleanup efforts for PFAS and coal combustion residual contamination found at Harbor Island. Harbor Island is located in the center of the Grand River as it flows to Lake Michigan. Over the last hundred years, the island has served a variety of industrial purposes, all of which have contributed to the current environmental concerns. Since the closure of a power plant in 2020, the island has been monitored for contamination by the City of Grand Haven, unearthing PFAS contaminants and coal combustion residual contamination materials.
Project: Literacy for All: A New Home for Read Muskegon
Sponsor: Muskegon County
Location: 2709 Peck St., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Requested Amount: $500,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to renovate an abandoned building in downtown Muskegon to create a community-centered literacy hub. This project would support individuals of all ages in improving their literacy skills, thereby increasing their likelihood of achieving academic success, as well as increasing employability and earning potential.
Project: AMP Lab 2.0 - Bolstering Western Michigan University’s Workforce Pipeline Program
Sponsor: Western Michigan University
Location: 200 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $1,081,265
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to renovate a space owned by Western Michigan University, which would ultimately support its forthcoming workforce pipeline program to meet the demands for electrification, battery technology, and semiconductors.
Project: Cherry Health Community Alternative Program: Housing for Returning Citizens
Sponsor: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Location: 801 College Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to renovate a property to relocate Cherry Health’s Community Alternative Program (CAP) and provide affordable housing units for individuals who are reintegrating into their communities after being released from prison. The project would not only renovate a new location for CAP; it will also convert the old CAP facility into affordable housing units. The project works to reduce recidivism rates and associated costs to taxpayers, including the costs of incarceration, court proceedings, and law enforcement.
Project: I-96 Improvements for Non-Motorized Use
Sponsor: City of Kentwood
Location: Bridge over Interstate-96, South of 1830 Forest Hill Avenue and North of 1954 Forest Hill Avenue
Requested Amount: $2,500,000
Federal Nexus Statement and Disclosure
Background: This funding would be used to establish a non-motorized, shared-use crossing over Interstate 96 at Forest Hill Avenue. provide greater intra- and inter-city, non-motorized access to Kentwood residents and neighboring communities. The crossing would additionally ease congestion to improve the daily lives of residents. Moreover, the project would ensure greater access to regions currently separated by the interstate, connecting the communities. The City’s project would ultimately enhance the accessibility and safety of transportation options for Kentwood residents, as well as throughout Western Michigan.
Project: 904 Renovation
Sponsor: United Methodist Community House
Location: 904 Sherman Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Background: This funding would help United Methodist Community House to fund the renovation of classrooms and a gymnasium to accommodate second shift and alternative care for children. The project is located in the most economically distressed zip code in Kent County (49507). Many nearby families are not able to accept afternoon work shifts or attend evening classes to better their employment because they do not currently have access to quality & affordable childcare. Completing this project will support improving the economic health of the community. When completed, this renovation will help get people back to work, help employers become more productive, create a stronger tax base, prepare children for successful academic careers, and more.
Project: Terminal Enhancement Project – Landside Improvements. GRR, Grand Rapids, MI
Sponsor: Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
Location: 5500 44th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Requested Amount: $789,000
Description: Gerald R. Ford International Airport was one of the fastest airports in the country to return to pre-pandemic levels. This funding would make roadway and utility improvements to support TSA’s growth and airline service demands. Specifically, the funding is a key part of terminal expansion, checked baggage inspection system (CBIS), and associated public and secured facilities at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. It is a critical piece of the larger Terminal Enhancement Project, which would support TSA’s growth and airline service demands in West Michigan, one of the fastest airports in the country to return to pre-pandemic travel levels.
Since checked baggage screening equipment was installed post-9/11, loading and unloading of baggage to TSA provided equipment has been manual and limited in capacity. The terminal will be expanded to the west with a full CBIS on the 2nd floor above the new ticket counter and bag makeup spaces. Terminal expansion will include relocation of ticket counters (from the east to the west end of the terminal), new bag makeup space for airline operations, and baggage claim expansion.
Project: Butterworth Street Stormwater Project
Sponsor: City of Grand Rapids
Location: 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $1,600,000
Description:
This funding would be used to evaluate stormwater needs, develop alternatives to manage the water and eliminate the sediment in the road and on neighboring properties near Butterworth Street. Butterworth Street is critical to both commercial/industrial users as well as residents of Grand Rapids and Walker. It provides connectivity between the two cities and is used predominantly by drivers passing through this area and accessing City and County facilities and recreational areas. The area is challenging from a stormwater perspective and proper design is important for protecting the Grand River given its proximity.
Stormwater accumulation and the hilly nature of the road means vehicles can easily come upon a flooded area with little notice which presents a perceived safety concern and deters some drivers from the area. The large volume of stormwater requires design of a comprehensive stormwater management system before the road can be improved.
Project: Seymour Condominiums
Sponsor: ICCF Community Home
Location: 415 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Requested Amount: $3,500,000
Description: Seymour Condominiums is a proposed comprehensive redevelopment of a vacant school building located at 2550 Eastern Avenue on the edge of the Alger Heights Business Corridor. ICCF developed the plan for Seymour Condominiums to address the city's need for mixed-income homeownership opportunities and honor the structure's history & the surrounding neighborhood. These new homes will be included in the Community Land Trust, ensuring that they are priced affordably and sold to low-income households in perpetuity. Seymour Condominiums promotes housing choice by providing homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income households.
This site is located near important services and transportation that allow homeowners to remain connected to important resources in their communities, and this kind of development is rare. With the appropriate support, this historic, blighted building will be repurposed to provide new housing opportunities and promote neighborhood reinvestment.
Project: Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative Center
Sponsor: IFF
Location: 333 S Wabash Ave Unit 2800, Chicago, IL 60604
Requested Amount: $400,000
Description: This funding would be used for equipment and capital improvements for the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative Center in Grand Rapids. In 2018, IFF completed a regional early childhood needs assessment showing that only 30 percent of the need for subsidized and Head Start early childhood education (ECE) programs is being met in Grand Rapids, putting undue burden on low-income children and families. There is also a dramatic lack of access to early childhood education slots for infants and toddlers, with just 16 percent of children aged 0 to 2 having access to licensed and registered providers. That number drops to just 8 percent for children aged 0 to 2 in the highest-need neighborhoods.
A supportive ECE environment is critically important in healthy early childhood development. Quality ECE is also a critical enabling component to parents engaging more fully in the workforce and advancing family economic security. The ELNC Center will demonstrate high quality and leading ECE practices and drive intentional investment in a high-quality provider to progress toward asset building and growth.
Project: Grand River Greenway Trail Connection
Sponsor: Kent County
Location: 300 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids MI 49503
Requested Amount: $7,000,000
Description: With the support of the jurisdictions within the Grand River watershed, Kent County is leading the charge to complete a 23-mile trail connection that runs through Plainfield Township and Cannon Township. There are multiple gaps within the 76-mile stretch of trails along the Grand River, particularly through Kent County. This project would fund completion of this new trail connector and align with local trail plans to close key gaps in the greenway trail network.
The Grand River watershed provides multiple recreation opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, and biking, and is a site for community events and gatherings. This watershed is a primary driver of the region’s outdoor recreation economy. On an annual basis, Kent and Ottawa Counties alone attract $1.8 billion in spending because of travel tourism, supporting retail, food and beverage, transportation, recreation, and lodging businesses. Over 50% of visitors to the region come to enjoy water-related activities or parks. Additionally, the Grand River watershed is a magnet for residents who chose to stay in the area and those who relocate to local communities. At a time when Michigan is losing population, communities within the Grand River watershed have grown in population as more and more people seek the quality of life the river affords.
Project: Police Modular Vehicle Barrier Systems
Sponsor: City of Muskegon
Location: 933 Terrace St, Muskegon, MI 49440
Requested Amount: $380,000
Description: Police Modular Vehicle Barrier Systems are designed to prevent vehicle-born mass casualty incidents during annual community festivals, events and parades. The equipment would harden access points on city streets to provide maximum protection against moving vehicles from entering downtown areas where pedestrians attend the more than one-hundred community events which take place each year and are hosted by the City of Muskegon. This equipment will improve the effectiveness of law enforcement personnel by adding a much-needed additional layer of security and safety for all event organizers and all attendees
Project: Broadway Streetscape Improvements
Sponsor: City of Muskegon Heights
Location: 2724 Peck St, Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Requested Amount: $5,100,000
Description: The reconstruction and streetscape improvements of Broadway Avenue, part of the Reaching New Muskegon Heights visioning project, will be a catalyst in downtown Muskegon Heights that will invite businesses to invest downtown, people to live downtown and visitors to frequent downtown, stimulating neighborhood revitalization, growth and economic development. These are all goals of the City of Muskegon Heights and actions that will not only increase the tax base in Muskegon Heights, but improve the image of Muskegon County and the State of Michigan. This investment will provide a pathway to advancing more widespread wealth creation and wealth building in the city. Specifically, the project will include narrowing traffic lanes, allowing for traffic calming, adding bike lanes for safe travel, and placing additional crosswalks to encourage pedestrian movement across Broadway between businesses, residences, cultural venues, and Rowan Park.
Project: The Rapid Silver Line Station Enhancement Project
Sponsor: Interurban Transit Partnership
Location: 300 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $3,225,000
Background: This funding would be used to design, and upgrade a Bus Rapid Transit station near Trinity Health in Grand Rapids. This includes increasing the size of the station, improving pedestrian access to the station, and designing a plaza public space leading to the station. Design elements also include enhanced pedestrian facilities from the station to the Trinity Health Campus, improved real time information systems, a larger station canopy, and an enhanced plaza area adjacent to the station. Improving accessible transportation access within the community is vital in promoting widespread opportunity for residents. The Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit provides vital connectivity from the Hearthside Neighborhood to the rest of the surrounding community. This project will tie in the station to Trinity Health development opportunities, enhancing access to healthcare, employment, housing, and groceries.
Project: Building to Belong
Sponsor: Treetops Collective
Location: 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Requested Amount: $670,000
Background: This request is for $670,000 for Treetops Collective to renovate and rehabilitate their building to provide affordable housing and turn a warehouse into a community center. This project would be used for renovations and rehabilitations to establish a community lounge and cafe and affordable housing for recently resettled refugees. Nothing like this project exists in West Michigan, and there is a dire need for a support services space that aids refugees in navigating their transition to life in the United States. Michigan has a substantial refugee population - it has been among the top five states nationally over the past decade in terms of refugee arrivals - and Grand Rapids is one of the top locations in the state for placement. It is critical societally, economically, and culturally that organizations like Treetops can provide a place where refugees can come to gather and learn about opportunities for employment, how to drive, budgeting and financial basics, and other foundational aspects of life in the United States.
Project: Building for our Future - Capital Improvement Project
Sponsor: Young Men’s Christian Association Tri Cities
Location: 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Background: This funding would modernize and expand the early childhood learning wing, enabling the YMCA to better meet the critical need for quality, affordable, childcare in Northwest Ottawa County. Licensed childcare is currently provided in a repurposed racquetball court. Modernization throughout the facility will allow implementation of Universal Design principles making the entire YMCA accessible to those with limited mobility due to cognitive and physical impairments. Renovating the locker rooms will provide privacy for families with young children and those with special needs and improve access for adults with limited mobility. The Building for our Future project will create greater opportunities for community members to engage in healthy activity, spend time with family, connect with others, volunteer to promote wellness and engage in fitness and sports that improve overall well-being. This facility is also used by many service members who reside at the nearby Coast Guard station, along with their families.
Project: Youth Development Center
Sponsor: Grand Rapids Urban League Inc.
Location: 745 Eastern Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $750,000
Background: These funds will be utilized to support the acquisition, development, and expansion of the current Urban League facility so that youth and families can benefit from expanded programs, services, activities, and events specifically related to Youth Development; Education, Health Promotion and Healthy Living; Violence Prevention; and Parent Engagement/Empowerment. The Center will provide in-school and after-school programs to support academic achievement/retention, completion and graduation, college enrollment and matriculation, career development, vocational training and job placement. The Urban League has programs to engage students and young adults ages 9-29, in out-of-school learning opportunities that help them perform better in the classroom; enable them to graduate high school and make them more likely to go to college or pursue skilled/career training. This project would create a separate youth-focused wing to allow the organization to expand this programming.
Project: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Headquarters
Sponsor: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Location: 2007 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Background: The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC) is planning to establish a new headquarters at 1111 Godfrey Ave SW within the Southwest side of the City of Grand Rapids. This new building will create space for Latino entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses, benefitting low- and moderate-income persons or communities across the city and county. In 2018, the economic study from New Americans in Kent County showed over 16,000 Latinos living in the County. The economic impact to the area GDP of this population was $1.1 billion just in Kent County. Constructing this new facility will revitalize the underinvested Godfrey Ave corridor and accelerate local economic growth and is estimated to double the area GDP over the next 20 years as the Latino population grows an expected 130% by 2025.
This will benefit not only the substantial Latino community but the region as a whole. A study found that in 2014 the region’s economy could have grown an additional $4 billion with more widespread access to opportunity, including by creating spaces for incubation of new ideas and businesses. The WMHCC is assisting West Michigan in realizing its full potential to create a more prosperous region.
Project: West Michigan Youth Sports Complex
Sponsor: West Michigan Sports Commission
Location: 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 240, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Requested Amount: $750,000
Background: This request would support the expansion and renovation of the West Michigan Youth Sports Complex. This project will have a significant impact on the economy in West Michigan. Small businesses in the area have come to depend on the seasonal influx of families who patronize local hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and other amenities. The proposed work will elevate West Michigan even further, including generating an additional $2 million in visitor spending annually.
This funding would also help address some limitations with the existing site. It is critical to provide parity regarding championship facilities for male and female sports. Within the region, female softball is dramatically underserved, which limits growth of the sport regionally and the types of events the WMSC can attract to the region. Additionally, the West Michigan Sports Complex is limited in the size of tournaments it can host due to full capacity within existing fields. Additional fields would allow the WMSC to attract larger youth travel baseball and softball tournaments.
Project: City Center Phase I Public Infrastructure
Sponsor: City of Wyoming
Location: 1155 28th St, Wyoming, MI 49509
Requested Amount: $2,000,000
Description:
The City Center Phase I Public Infrastructure project is a multi-phased development that includes public investment in non-motorized infrastructure and private investment in a mixed-use development. The project will provide two new pedestrian bridges, 4.6 miles of new trails, and civic space. This funding is for the first phase of this project, which includes a pedestrian bridge that provides passage over 28th Street and 3.1 miles of new non-motorized trails that create a linkage to regional destinations, including north to Grand Rapids and south to Byron Township.
This project facilitates the safe crossing of 28th Street and addresses long-standing community needs by creating new non-motorized trail connections between underserved neighborhoods and city greenspaces, employment destinations, schools, and daily amenities. It also revitalizes an aged and largely vacant commercial corridor and delivers on a priority of the community by helping create a downtown center.