LANSING – Legislation paving the way for expansion of Cobo Center in Detroit, in an effort to improve the facility and maintain the North American International Auto Show there, was signed into law by Governor Jennifer Granholm on Friday.

“The Cobo expansion not only marks a new chapter for one of Detroit’s iconic meeting places, this renovation will mark a new chapter for Detroit and will breathe new life, create new jobs, and attract new visitors into this great American city,” Ms. Granholm said. “The growth and revitalization of Detroit is so critical to the growth and revitalization of Michigan and our economy. And being able to keep the North American International Auto Show’s prominent place in Detroit is about preserving Michigan’s trademark and brand.”

Signed into law were HB 5691 (PA 553), SB 1630 (PA 554), SB 880 (PA 555) and SB 881 (PA 556). Another bill in the package, SB 1633 , has not yet been signed by the governor.

The legislation would transfer Cobo from the city of Detroit to a regional authority comprised of five appointees of the Detroit mayor, governor, the executives from Oakland and Wayne counties and the chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.

Approximately $280 million in expansion and improvements of the facility would be financed through extension statewide liquor sales and the hotel-motel tax in southeast Michigan.

The Detroit City Council, which has 45 days to reject the proposal, has already raised questions about how the city’s appointee will be chosen and whether preference will be given for city-based contractors for the expansion work. Control of the center will automatically transfer to the regional authority in three months.

While he supports making maintenance improvements to Cobo, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has also asked that any expansion work be postponed until officials can see what happens with the auto industry and what needs the auto show would have in the future.

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