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Local projects across Michigan seek LDSI funds — roads, water, parks, public safety and sewer fixes
Summary
Municipal and nonprofit presenters sought Local Development & State Initiative (LDSI) funding for dozens of projects, including road reconstructions, water-main replacements, sewer rehabilitation, a regional bridge, fire apparatus and parks — most requests were informational asks to the appropriations subcommittee.
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity heard a long slate of Local Development & State Initiative (LDSI) funding requests from municipalities, nonprofits and county officials seeking project support ranging from smaller community memorials to multi‑million‑dollar infrastructure works.
Representative Aragona asked for $3.5 million to repair Rivergate in Clinton Township — a heavily used connector road he described as "almost a trunk line" — citing a 2023 PACER pavement rating that dropped to a 1–2 out of 10 and saying the request would pay for either full replacement or a grind-and-layover depending on engineering recommendations.
Mount Clemens representatives discussed a $2.5 million request to redevelop a defunct motel site into a 50–70 unit mixed housing development with some MISHDA‑assisted units; project partners said the site is leveled and ready to begin construction within a year if financing is secured.
Other infrastructure needs included bridge engineers and small municipalities: the Village of Maple Rapids requested $500,000 for engineering and design so MDOT construction funds can be unlocked (total project estimated around $3M); Utica sought $3.73M to replace four aging water mains; Breckenridge requested $800,000 for slip‑lining 2,000 ft of sewer pipe to halt chemical corrosion; and Negaunee requested $700,000 for a dual‑duty fire truck to replace two aging vehicles.
Several requests centered on stormwater and emergency capacity: Allegan County asked for $1M toward a $4–5M Bates Drain replacement to limit high assessments on 106 parcels; Macomb County Public Works requested $2M to daylight the Sterling Heights relief drain; and Shelby Township sought a $3M state share to complete Shainer Road phase two and the Clinton River bridge reconstruction, warning that without the state contribution the community would lose $6.6 million in federal matching funds already committed.
Smaller community and nonprofit requests included $500,000 for Glenski Park in Marquette (906 Adventure Team), $100,000 for Holland’s Tulip Time festival, $25,000 for a Bedford Township veterans memorial, $222,000 for Southgate police radios, and multiple smaller public‑safety items for Albion (AEDs, CPR device, and tires).
Most presenters described project purpose, local matching or prior commitments and anticipated timelines, but the subcommittee generally treated these as informational funding requests to be considered in the broader appropriations process rather than items on which it took final action during the hearing.
Key quote from Shelby Township: "Without action now, we will lose $6.6 million in federal funds entirely," Supervisor Rick Stathakis said, urging a $3 million state investment to protect larger local and federal commitments.
Next steps: The subcommittee will factor these LDSI requests into the larger appropriations process; sponsors and local officials may be asked for supplemental materials such as engineering estimates, matching commitments and project timelines.
