Kalamazoo Times

A $21.55 million grant will go towards addressing dilapidated properties throughout the state.

The State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) will oversee the distribution of the funds by cultivating positive impacts with renovated uses for the sites, according to a news release issued by the state government.

“As governor, I am focused on investing in communities across Michigan to make them a better place to raise a family, start a business and pursue your potential,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in the release. “Michigan’s bipartisan, $75 million investment in blight elimination will help communities across the state increase surrounding property values, improve the health of local housing markets, remove safety hazards and boost local tax revenue.”

Whitmer added that renovations will create more housing and open space in local communities.

“Removing blighted properties is an important step in stabilizing and revitalizing local communities,” Emily Doerr, executive director of the SLBA, said in the release. “This funding allows us to further our efforts toward transforming blighted structures into functional spaces that will once again contribute to our economy. We encourage land banks and communities across Michigan to explore partnerships and identify projects that are eligible for this transformational grant opportunity.”

A request for proposals has been issued by the SLBA to area banks and municipalities that do not have banks.

“This is an exciting opportunity for communities across Michigan to improve neighborhoods,” said Anne Giroux, Michigan Association of Land Banks president. “The Michigan Association of Land Banks thanks the legislature and Governor for their important, bipartisan support of blight elimination efforts. This investment in Michigan's communities will directly improve the lives of Michigan residents and we look forward to working with the State Land Bank to put these funds to work throughout Michigan.”