Michigan needs money to demolish blighted buildings and revitalize neighborhoods. Last week the federal government came through with some $224 million, of which Grand Rapids will get a share.
According to excerpts from the story:
The federal government awarded Michigan $223.9 million on Thursday to help tear down blighted buildings and revitalize neighborhoods in a dozen cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the money as part of $2 billion in Recovery Act funding to states, local governments and nonprofit housing developers.
Michigan's proposal won it the largest single grant — 11 percent of the total awarded nationwide, Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan said at a news conference with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and dozens of other officials. Some other states got more money in total, but it was in grants to several communities or groups that applied separately.
Under the "New Michigan Urban Neighborhood" plan, money would be allocated to acquire and redevelop more than 6,000 foreclosed, abandoned and vacant properties in Michigan, demolish 2,500 structures and rehabilitate or build 1,500 homes.
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