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Barbara Robbins recommended for Brownfield Authority; commissioners stress reading Act 381
Summary
Barbara Robbins, a long-time Benton Harbor resident and former Whirlpool corporate finance employee, was recommended to the Brownfield Authority; speakers urged appointee and public to consult Act 381 to avoid misconceptions about the authority's legal powers.
The legislative committee moved to forward the nomination of Barbara Robbins to the Brownfield Authority for consideration by the full commission.
Barbara Robbins introduced herself to the committee, saying she has lived in Benton Harbor since 1988, worked 25 years in corporate finance at Whirlpool and taught as a substitute in the Benton Harbor Area Schools for 13 years. She said she is retired, has time to contribute, and considers service on the Brownfield Authority a social responsibility.
Commissioners and existing board members welcomed Robbins and emphasized the need to understand statutory constraints. A current Brownfield board member (also present in the discussion) urged Robbins and the public to review Act 381, noting there are “strict laws like Act 381” that define what a Brownfield Authority can and cannot do and that misinformation about authority powers is common.
The committee recommended moving the appointment forward to the full commission, where a formal vote will be scheduled. No decisions were made about specific Brownfield projects, funding or remediation actions during the meeting; staff said that the role will involve working with the board and counsel and that more detailed project work will come later.
