State Grants to Aid Redevelopment Projects

DETROIT-Two Michigan Department of Environmental Quality grants totaling $652,000 will go to assist redevelopment plants in Detroit and Port Huron. A $150,000 state grant will assist the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority in preparing 35 acres of riverfront property for redevelopment.

The Port Authority will use Site Reclamation Program funds to conduct environmental investigation and limited remedial activities at the properties, located along the Detroit River on West Jefferson Avenue.

The authority will contract with Federal Marine Terminals Inc. to upgrade existing facilities at the site and continue to operate a marine freight terminal. The project will result in a $1 million upgrade to the existing facilities, the creation of 34 jobs and the retention of 14 current jobs.

A $502,000 MDEQ grant will assist the charter township of Port Huron in preparing a local site for redevelopment.

The township in St. Clair County will use the Site Reclamation Program funds to conduct environmental activities at the Anchor Recycling property on Goulden Street.

The property previously was used for storage and processing of paper waste and recycling of paper, plastic and other materials. It was purchased by Victor Fiber and Supply Inc. which will expand its paper recycling operations with the construction of two buildings and the purchase of new equipment.

Victor will invest $1.57 million in the project, which will create 18 to 22 jobs.

The Site Reclamation Program provides funding to local units of government for environmental response activities at contaminated properties where redevelopment is proposed.