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MSU Extension asks Alpena County for $78,516 as DDA outlines downtown redevelopment and walkability grant plans
Summary
MSU Extension requested $78,516 to cover potential Youth & Rec millage shortfalls; DDA Executive Director updated the board on downtown street work, facade grants, tiny shops pilot, and a planned MDOT Transportation Alternatives grant for Chisholm Street improvements.
Adam Koivisto, District 14 Director for MSU Extension, asked the Alpena County board for $78,516 to cover a potential shortfall if the Youth & Recreation Millage does not fully fund MSU Extension programming in 2026. Koivisto told commissioners that MSU Extension provided 249 programs to residents last year, with a social-media reach of 20,896, a programming reach of 3,406 and an indirect outreach of about 5,800; he also said there are roughly 230 4‑H participants and emphasized that 4‑H programming includes activities beyond livestock such as archery and ice fishing.
DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry updated the board on downtown progress since a 2023 boundary expansion. She said North 2nd Avenue was rebuilt with new utilities, sidewalks and street trees; many businesses on that stretch have new owners, received facade grants or plan renovations. The DDA is pursuing a multi-year project to make Chisholm Street more walkable and bikeable through a possible MDOT Transportation Alternatives Program grant. Gentry also said the authority is leasing the former Alpena Power Company site and purchased six tiny shops for seasonal downtown retail trials through Christmas.
No board vote was recorded for MSU Extension’s request during the meeting; Koivisto said MSU Extension will not know Youth & Rec funding results until the millage board announces allocations, and asked the county to consider covering any shortfall if allocations are incomplete.
These presentations were made as informational items during the board meeting and were referred to committee and administration for any follow-up budgeting decisions.
