Appropriations subcommittee hears wide slate of local LDSI requests for infrastructure, public safety, health and training

The Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity, chaired by Jenkins Arnaud, spent its Monday hearing listening to a long list of local and nonprofit requests for one‑time legislative directed spending. Presenters asked for funding to build or upgrade community facilities, shore up public‑safety infrastructure, expand health services and workforce training, and sustain victim‑oriented social services.

The session opened with a $1,000,000 request for a regulation‑size community ice arena in Bad Axe from the Huron County Hockey Association. Laura Maville, the association’s volunteer grant administrator, said the project is phased and that “we were able to come up with the first $900,000 out of pocket” and now seek state partnership to complete infrastructure for phase two. Maville told the panel the land has been transferred to the association and that utilities will be their responsibility.

Other requests included a $500,000 ask to complete a four‑season pavilion and year‑round farmers market space in Port Austin; Port Austin clerk Amanda Niinotowski said MEDC…