Treasurer announces grants for distressed municipalities

State Treasurer Nick Khouri on Tuesday announced a total of $5.4 million is being awarded to 11 municipalities through the Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships (FDCVT) Grant Program.

Municipalities can participate in the FDCVT Grant Program if they are experiencing one or more conditions indicative of "probable financial stress" as defined in state law. The grants fund specific projects, services or strategies-including infrastructure and public safety enhancements-that move a city, village or township toward financial stability.

"I am pleased to announce that this year's awards will help communities enhance infrastructure and public safety," Khouri said. "These dollars will help improve the services residents depend on every day."

For fiscal year 2018, $5 million was appropriated for the program with a $400,000 carryover from the previous fiscal year. The FDCVT Grant Program has a $2 million cap per municipality and grants are awarded based on applications submitted by the municipality.

The following communities will receive funding this year, with projects and amounts noted (alphabetical order):

• City of Allen Park

Public safety enhancement through improved street lighting and a backup power source-$319,321.

• City of Benton Harbor

Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine-$490,000.

• City of Benton Harbor

Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters-$309,500.

• City of Ecorse

Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters-$720,000.

• City of Hamtramck

Public service enhancement through ADA accessibility infrastructure improvements-$42,000.

• City of Hamtramck

Public service enhancement through infrastructure improvements-$212,668.

• City of Harper Woods

Public safety enhancement through improved street lighting-$150,000.

• City of Highland Park

Water system enhancement through water main replacement-$625,000.

• City of Inkster

Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine-$314,300.

• City of Inkster

Water system enhancement through water main replacement-$500,000.

• City of Lincoln Park

Public safety enhancement through replacement of a fire engine-$420,000.

• City of Melvindale

Water system enhancement through replacement of water meters-$720,000.

ª City of River Rouge

Water system enhancement through combined sewer overflow basin repairs-$357,000.

• City of Wayne

Public safety enhancement through replacement of an ambulance-$190,968.

All appropriated funding has been spent. No future rounds will occur in fiscal year 2018.

Additional information is available on the FDCVT Grant Program website.

Published: Fri, Mar 16, 2018