Temperance, Port Huron Get Downtown Funds

Temperance will receive $111,464. Port Huron will receive $20,000.

"The economic health of all of our towns, villages and cities is the cornerstone of Michigan's continued economic success," Gov. Jennifer Granholm says. "Block grant funding is a valuable tool for smaller communities to engage in downtown redevelopment activities to create jobs."

The Temperance grant is being delivered to Bedford Township, which will use the money to fund streetscape and sidewalk improvements in Downtown Temperance. The improvements will make it possible for Lambertville Foods Inc. to purchase and redevelop the now vacant Foodtown Supermarket. The project is expected to result in $2 million in private investment and create 25 new jobs.

In Port Huron, the funds will be used to conduct a downtown market feasibility study of prospects for economic development and job creation in the city's core. The county will provide a $20,000 match. The study will analyze the impact of retail development and identify the actual downtown market area with the goal of developing a comprehensive plan for future growth.

"The availability of goods and services in downtown areas is essential to maintaining vital communities," says Don Jakeway, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp., which administers the grant program.