News Summary

Buchanan, Michigan, will receive $2.8 million in grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as part of the Revitalization and Placemaking program. This funding aims to enhance public spaces, support local economic growth, and replace aging infrastructure. A significant grant will be directed toward the Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative, contributing to a total project cost of approximately $19.4 million. Additionally, the city is reinstating the Downtown Development Authority to further advance local development efforts.

Buchanan, Michigan to Benefit from $2.8 Million in MEDC Grants

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has allocated nearly $3 million in funding to three southwest Michigan communities: Buchanan, Cassopolis, and Vicksburg. This funding is part of the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which aims to enhance public spaces and spur local economic growth.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer underscored the importance of these investments, stating that they are designed to create vibrant environments that attract talent, add critical housing, enable business development, and provide essential resources for local communities. A total of $2.8 million in grants has been awarded, part of a larger fund of $25 million distributed to approximately 64 projects across 48 communities in Michigan.

Specific Projects Funded

In Buchanan, a significant portion of the funding will be utilized for the Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative. This initiative focuses on creating new streetscapes that feature widened sidewalks, community branding, and a “living streets” concept as its centerpiece. The city is expected to receive a $1 million grant from the RAP program, contributing to a total project cost of approximately $19.4 million.

This downtown project aims to replace aging infrastructure, including 100-year-old water lines and sewers, and improve landscaping. A highlight of the initiative will be the creation of a “festival street” on Front Street, designed to be curbless, allowing for flexible use by both pedestrians and vehicles. The MEDC grant is anticipated to address a $1.5 million shortfall in the project’s budget, providing some much-needed financial relief.

Additional Details and Developments

In addition to funding initiatives, Buchanan City Commissioners have reinstated the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which had been disbanded in 2020. This move reflects a commitment to further supporting local development efforts. The commission has amended an ordinance to align with changes in state law regarding the operation of DDAs, and plans to appoint seven members to the new DDA board, along with the mayor and a representative from the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce.

The village of Cassopolis will also benefit from the grants, receiving $1.2 million for a downtown facade improvement program, along with a new trail meant to connect downtown to SMART Park and, eventually, to Dr. TK Lawless County Park.

Funding and Application Details

The announcement of the grant awards was made on a Wednesday, with funding derived from the American Rescue Plan. The RAP program received a substantial amount of interest, evidenced by the 81 applications submitted for these funds, of which 21 were awarded to selected initiatives. This competitive nature of the funding underscores the strong leadership within each community, particularly in Buchanan.

Next Steps for Buchanan

The city of Buchanan is currently conducting interviews for the DDA, with plans to announce new board members by May 27. The recent investments and organizational developments signal a proactive approach to revitalizing the community and enhancing the local economy, aligning with the ongoing efforts to create attractive and functional public spaces.

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