Detroit committee sends $1 million Jefferson Chalmers flood-prevention grant to council after amendment to fund seawall repairs

The Detroit Neighborhoods Committee on Monday moved a $1,000,000 Michigan Economic Development Corporation flood-prevention grant for the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood to the full City Council with a recommendation for approval after committee members and staff agreed to amend the budget to prioritize seawall repairs.

Committee members said they and neighborhood residents opposed using the grant to fund a study when a separate regional study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will cover the area. General Services Department staff said they will prepare and submit a budget amendment to the state for approval before the council vote.

"We were able to get some clarification on the language and how we can proceed with the grant," said Lorraine Smith, a General Services Department staff member. "We are in the process of working out a budget amendment that will be able to satisfy the needs of the community in that area... The councilwoman has asked for us to put the funding towards helping those in that area that are in need with repairing their seawalls."

Councilwoman Leticia Johnson, who led the request, thanked city and state officials for convening and said she appreciated hearing residents' concerns. "I appreciate the amendment and look forward to it," Johnson said.

Director Perkins, identified by the committee as the General Services Department director, told the panel staff will send the amendment to the state for approval and hoped the department would return the item with the amendment before the committee's Tuesday vote. "We can have that done. The memo, the amendment... has to…