Federal funds would eliminate blight, improve housing and increase access to public parks for people with disabilities
WASHINGTON— Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced a key congressional subcommittee advanced a spending bill that includes seven of his Community Project Funding requests that benefit Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and Midland County residents.
The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development advanced its Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) spending bill. This bill includes $7.9 million in local initiatives that would help eliminate blight, build affordable housing and increase access to public parks for mid-Michigan residents.
“I am pleased to see seven of my Community Project Funding initiatives for Genesee, Saginaw, Bay and Midland County advance in the House of Representatives,” said Kildee. “These important projects will help eliminate blight, lower housing costs and improve the lives of mid-Michigan residents. I will continue working in Congress to bring federal resources back to mid-Michigan.”
The House Appropriations Committee provides Members of Congress the opportunity to direct federal resources for certain projects with demonstrated community support. Each member of Congress can submit up to 15 projects for consideration. Seven of Congressman Kildee’s Community Project Funding initiatives were advanced in the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, including:
$1,050,000 for Communities First, Inc. in Flint, which would be used to renovate the Marian Hall building, converting it to affordable housing, and restore the Masonic Temple building into a mixed-use space for the community.
- “Communities First, Inc. would like to thank Congressman Dan Kildee for his commitment to the City of Flint and Genesee County,” aid Glenn Wilson, president and CEO of Communities First, Inc.
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- This funding will be used to transform the Flint Masonic Temple into a community venue that will support cultural and equitable programming as well as support quality, affordable housing through our Marian Hall Development Project,” Wilson added. “Through opportunities like this one, Communities First is excited to continue to build healthy, vibrant communities.”
$850,000 for the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission. which would be used for the improvement of parks and recreational spaces across Genesee County. Specifically, the upgrades to these parks will ensure these spaces are accessible for people with physical and developmental disabilities.
- “Thank you, Congressman Kildee, on behalf of all the citizens of Genesee County for your efforts in helping pass our Community Project Funding through the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development,” said Dennis Liimatta, Grand Blanc Township Superintendent.
“The pandemic really highlighted how important it is for a community to provide recreational opportunities for all generations and abilities, and Congressman Dan Kildee has shown he truly cares about his constituents in his support to help find funding for our parks and recreation facilities,” Liimatta added. “Grand Blanc Township is grateful for his leadership and engagement that supports low and no cost recreational opportunities for all. We will use these funds to expand our ADA accessibility and achieve our goal for ‘A Park Without Limits.””
- “We are fortunate and thankful to have Congressman Dan Kildee looking out for the residents and visitors of Otterburn Park, in the City of Swartz Creek,” said David Krueger, City of Swartz Creek mayor.
“His support in providing funding to make accessibility a priority for outdoor recreation for the residents and visitors to Otterburn Park is truly remarkable,” Krueger added. “This funding will help to complete the vision of the City of Swartz Creek and the Disability Network to provide a strong, diverse community that is built on all Swartz Creek residents and area visitors having access and inclusion. The City of Swartz Creek is committed to making outdoor recreation accessible to all citizens regardless of their ability.”
- “Mundy Township is fortunate to have Congressman Dan Kildee looking out for those children and families with disabilities that need access to outdoor recreation,” said Tonya Ketzler, Mundy Township supervisor.
“His unwavering support in providing funding for accessible elements at Mundy Miracle Commons shows his commitment to inclusion that children and families can enjoy equal recreational opportunities, regardless of ability,” Ketzler added. “Mundy Miracle Commons is the future home of the Miracle League of Greater Flint ballfield, and the additional amenities made possible by this funding will help establish the facility as the largest barrier free park in Genesee County.
$500,000 for Bay, Genesee, Saginaw and Midland Habitats for Humanity which would be used to make critical home repairs, including to energy systems and roofs, for veterans and low-income households to address health and safety issues.
- “Congressman Dan Kildee is truly a civil servant and champion for the communities he serves!” said Carmen Mora, Executive Director of Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity.
“The funds he is helping to make available for our region through Bay, Genesee, Midland and Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitats for Humanity will bring additional units of affordable housing to our region and will repair hundreds of homes owned by families who would be unable to make critical home repairs without financial assistance,” Mora added. “Thank you, Congressman Kildee, for moving your communities forward.”
Under the Community Project Funding initiative, only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. A full list of Congressman Kildee’s FY24 Community Project Funding requests can be found here.
