How MDOT’s major projects office gets things done
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$5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES October 17, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces $5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects, Protecting 85 Jobs and Supporting Community Revitalization Efforts LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced business investment and community revitalization projects in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that will represent over $5.5 million of capital investment and protect 85 high-paying jobs in the region.
“Today’s projects will drive more than $5.5 million of investment and protect 85 good-paying jobs in Houghton and Schoolcraft counties,” said Governor Whitmer. “From an upgrade to lower operating costs and emissions at a lumber plant to more housing in downtown Manistique, we are moving forward with our comprehensive economic development strategy to win projects, invest in places, and support people. Let’s keep working to add more tools to our economic development toolkit so we can help more companies expand and support developers as they build more affordable housing. Together, we will keep proving that Michigan is the best place to live, work, and invest.”
“Today’s announcement furthers Team Michigan’s commitment to people, projects and places by supporting business development, ensuring job retention and focusing on community revitalization efforts in the U.P.,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “We applaud the commitments from Northern Hardwoods and Cedar Street Real Estate in their efforts to Making it in Michigan.”
Northern Hardwoods Lumber has announced plans to invest in and install a new biomass boiler and a back-pressure steam turbine at their facility in Atlantic Mine, Houghton County. The investment in upgrades to the facility will provide the opportunity to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions leading to a more energy efficient process. Investments will also add longevity to the company’s operations and the retention of 85 jobs in the city. Without this investment, the company would have to close its doors at the end of the current boiler’s lifecycle.
The company is anticipating $4,750,000 in capital investment with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The 85 jobs that will be protected as a result of this investment will have averages wages of $23.76 per hour plus benefits, $4.50 per hour above the regional Median wage. In addition to MSF support, the company has also been awarded a $1,000,000 Wood Innovations Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Northern Hardwoods investment further amplifies how Michigan has positioned itself to compete for and win projects that create and protect good-paying jobs, while positioning the state as a leader in climate action through both the MI Healthy Climate Plan and federal macro-industrial policies like the CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Northern Hardwoods continues its long history of providing good paying jobs through the processing of some of Michigan’s highest value timber from the hardwood forests of the Upper Peninsula,” said Jeff Ratcliffe, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. “We are proud to support their continued investment in our community and appreciate the MEDC’s financial support for Northern Hardwoods’ efforts to improve capacity and efficiency and remain a great employer in the Keweenaw.”
The company’s parent, JM Longyear, is a privately held company in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that acquired Northern Hardwoods Lumber, LLC in 2015. Northern Hardwoods is a hardwood sawmill originally built in 1969 that currently produces 20 million board feet per year.
“Northern Hardwoods is deeply grateful for the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Cody Meier, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at JM Longyear. “The project to install a new biomass boiler and steam turbine will enable us to continue operations, retain our talented workforce, and further utilize the renewable resources that the Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers.”
For those interested in exploring a career with Northern Hardwoods, please click here.
Cedar Street Real Estate has announced revitalization efforts of a former bank in the heart of downtown Manistique through the activation of the second floor of the building. The architectural features of this building along with the prior façade restoration efforts make this building one of the crown jewels of Schoolcraft County. The building will be transformed from a vacant commercial building to a mixed-use commercial and future residential property with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund through a Build MI Community Grant Initiative in the amount of $250,000.
In total, the project will redevelop 4,670 sq. ft. of former office space into three residential apartments on the second floor, representing nearly $820,000 of capital investment. Activating this space will help increase the density of downtown Manistique while providing much-needed residential units in the community.
“We were looking to invest in downtown Manistique in a way that provides much-needed housing along the commercial corridor,” said Kristina Behrens and Antonio Adan, Cedar Street Real Estate Developers. “My family has been in the area since the 1960s and we feel a connection to the community. This building had been on the market a couple years ago, and when we visited, we were immediately drawn to the potential of the floor plan and the beautiful features of the building. The mixed-use development will enable patrons to enjoy a more pedestrian-friendly downtown area.”
The site is a priority for the City of Manistique and has received local support in the form of an OPRA tax abatement with an estimated value of $81,577. The regional economic development organization, Invest UP, has prioritized the project for the region by providing collateral support from the Build UP program.
“I’m thrilled for Kristina and her receipt of the MEDC Build MI Community Program grant,” noted Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce. “Her project to renovate the Manistique Bank building is a wonderful example of how small developers can make a significant impact on our community. By adding three new apartments to the area, Kristina is directly addressing our housing shortage and providing much-needed housing options for our residents. We are also grateful for programs like MEDC’s and Invest UP’s Build UP program, which provide invaluable support to those pursuing projects in our community.” |
Help Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation Volunteer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Help Their Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation VolunteerGet trained to serve your community through your local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a unique opportunity for Michigan residents to contribute to their communities during the upcoming 2025 tax filing season: participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program provides free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance with preparing their tax returns. “More Michiganders than ever are getting tax cuts and returns thanks to our work to lower costs for seniors and working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “We rolled back the retirement tax, saving 500,000 households more than $1,000 a year, and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, delivering $3,150 refunds to over 700,000 working families. I encourage Michiganders to volunteer with VITA programs to help hardworking Michiganders access the tax refunds they deserve. We’ll keep working hard to put money back in Michiganders’ pockets, where it belongs.” During the 2024 filing season, VITA programs collectively saved Michigan residents approximately $16.7 million in tax preparation fees and provided $58 million back into the pockets of Michiganders, according to a Community Economic Development Association (CEDAM) analysis of Internal Revenue Service data. “Becoming a voluntary income tax preparer can make a difference in your community,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Helping individuals prepare and file their tax returns opens the door to tax credits and other benefits that would otherwise be left behind. VITA is a high-impact program that is very meaningful and rewarding. It’s Michiganders helping their fellow neighbors. Please consider becoming a volunteer today.” VITA volunteers are community members trained to help their neighbors file their taxes for free and claim every tax credit available to them. Their service directly aids individuals and families in securing financial stability, weathering unexpected financial challenges, and enhancing overall economic well-being. “Anyone can give back to their community as a free tax prep volunteer,” said Madeleine March-Meenagh, director of economic inclusion at the CEDAM of Michigan. “No prior tax experience is necessary. Free training and IRS certification are just two of the many benefits of volunteering with VITA.” Given that no tax experience is required, volunteers assisting with the VITA program come from all walks of life: working professionals, retirees, college and high school students, IRS employees, and people who simply want to contribute to their community. Volunteers participating in the VITA program are paired with a sponsoring organization. They receive comprehensive training before embarking on their volunteer journey at a convenient location in their community. Training options include both online and in-person formats. Tax assistance sites typically operate during evenings and weekends, accommodating the volunteers’ varying schedules. Interested individuals can sign up now through the IRS. “My wife and I have volunteered with VITA through the Accounting Aid Society for at least 35 years,” said Peter M., a volunteer tax preparer serving southeastern Michigan. “Every year, I feel fulfilled and empowered by helping people with this particularly difficult part of their lives. We have also met many wonderful personalities…I believe that my life has been enriched by the experience!” For more than 50 years, the VITA program has offered free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Although the IRS manages these programs, sites are operated by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. In addition to the VITA program, the AARP Foundation administers the Tax-Aide program to help older taxpayers with low to moderate incomes receive tax preparation assistance. Volunteers are encouraged sign up for the Tax-Aide program on the AARP Foundation website. Learn more Volunteer Information https://www.irs.gov/ Taxpayer Assistance Information |
Secretary Benson launches Michigan Voting Dashboard
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Secretary Benson spoke in Detroit ahead of the 2024 General Election to announce a new tool that will make election data more accessible to the public.
Secretary Benson spoke at a news conference in Detroit to announce the Michigan Voting Dashboard, an interactive tool that will display daily election data.
Secretary Benson smiled for a photo alongside students from UMSI, Scott Tenbrink, an instructor at UMSI; Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, and Whitney Quesenbery, director of the Center for Civic Design (right).
Secretary Benson stood alongside (pictured from left to right) Siegrist, UMSI student Jackson Gelbard, Tenbrink, Quesenbery, and Secretary Benson.
Oakland County Extends “Veterans Ride Free” Program
Oakland County Extends “Veterans Ride Free” Program Through September 2025
- Launched in June 2024, the “This Ride’s on Us” program, which offers free, door-to-door public transportation for veterans and their caregivers, has already provided more than 2,750 rides to veterans for medical appointments, errands and visits to senior centers.
- Veterans and their caregivers can schedule rides by calling 248-419-7984 and providing proof of service, such as DD214 discharge papers or a veteran ID.
- For more information on the program, visit oakgov.com/veterans.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and local transit providers have announced the extension of the “This Ride’s on Us” program, offering free, door-to-door public transportation for veterans and their caregivers. Initially set to end on Sept. 30, 2024, the program will now run through September 2025, thanks to an additional $530,000 grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Launched in June 2024, this initiative has already provided more than 2,750 rides to veterans for medical appointments, errands and visits to senior centers. It aims to improve accessibility and quality of life for the county’s 53,000 veterans, more than half of whom are over 65, many with disabilities.
“This has already helped so many Oakland County veterans, and I’m thrilled that we can continue this vital service,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Our goal is to eliminate any barriers to transportation for our veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to us all.”
The “Veterans Ride Free” program was designed to address the challenges many veterans face in getting around, especially for day-to-day tasks. Veterans have long had access to free rides to county offices for benefits-related appointments, but the expanded service now includes personal care tasks and social outings, greatly enhancing their independence.
“It’s a privilege to serve those who have served us, and extending the ‘This Ride’s on Us’ program through September 2025 underscores this commitment,” SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell said. ”By eliminating transportation barriers, we enable our veterans to access crucial services and participate actively in their communities. This initiative is essential for enhancing the quality of life for our veterans across Southeast Michigan.”
Frank Withers, a retired Army sergeant from Waterford, is one of the many veterans benefiting from the free transportation program. He regularly uses the service to visit the Waterford Senior Center, where he finds comfort and community.
“I use this for all my traveling,” Withers said. “It brings me to places like this here and makes my problems non-existent for a little while.”
For Withers and others, the program is about more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about reclaiming independence and improving mental well-being.
“I can come here and relax with my friends,” Withers said. “And that’s good for my mental health.”
Local transit providers, including North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), People’s Express, and OPC Social & Activity Center, in partnership with SMART, will continue to provide the free rides.
“They have more options to get around ,” said Garth Wootten, manager of Oakland County Veterans Services. “They can get out and socialize, they can go to a senior center and interact with other seniors, they can get groceries or go to a medical appointment. This is a quality-of-life program not only for the veteran but also for their family.”
Veterans and their caregivers can schedule rides by calling 248-419-7984 and providing proof of service, such as DD214 discharge papers or a veteran ID.
For more information on the program, visit oakgov.com/veterans.