The new process, the Michigan Timely Application & Permit Service--known as MiTAPS--is a one-stop shop that allows businesses to apply for permits through the Internet. So far, it offers three Department of Environmental Quality permits and has links to 32 others from DEQ and the Department of Labor and Economic Growth. The state says as many as 150 permits are expected to ultimately be available.
DEQ director Steve Chester says his department also has launched a two-year pilot program dealing with up to five major manufacturing projects a year that will reduce the amount of time needed to obtain air quality permits from 18 months to less than 120 days.
Mike Johnson, director of regulatory affairs for the Michigan Manufacturing Association, says the state is moving in the right direction to encourage more businesses to locate or expand in Michigan.
"If we can get permits in a period of time we're confident about...that goes a long way to overcoming the challenges that companies have seen in Michigan," he says.
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to asset-and-logo-licensing@alm.com. For more inforrmation visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
