LANSING – A total of nearly $90 million, with $52.3 million going to Detroit, is being distributed to five cities in the state to help raze and remove blighted structures. The funds are designed to help fight crime, stabilize urban neighborhoods and preserve property values for homeowners in those areas.
The funds are part of $100 million the state received in June from the U.S. Department of Treasury. The state is holding back about $10 million in the funds at this time for additional demolition projects and unexpected costs.
Besides Detroit, the cities of Flint, Saginaw, Grand Rapids and Pontiac will get funds. Flint will get $20.1 million, Saginaw $11.2 million, Grand Rapids $2.5 million and Pontiac $3.7 million.
In a statement, Governor Rick Snyder said the funds will help with the overall revitalization of those cities. The demolition projects of blighted areas will “encourage the people who live in these neighborhoods to stay in their homes and be part of the revitalization of their communities,” Snyder said.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said the funds will help his administration go a long way towards its goal of demolishing 10,000 abandoned and blighted houses by the end of the year. It will also allow the city to demolish blighted commercial buildings and expand work for Detroit contractors who do demolition projects.
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) said the monies going to Flint and Saginaw will allow those two cities to remove and repurpose thousands of abandoned homes in those communities. He said he would take steps to work with local officials to maximize the effect of those funds.
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