East Michigan News

Local officials and business leaders in Midland have expressed support for State Representative Bill G. Schuette’s efforts to secure infrastructure funding in the latest state budget.

Schuette advocated for $10 million to be allocated to flood reduction infrastructure in Midland and an additional $9.8 million to the Four Lakes Task Force, which is working to repair dams that failed during the 2020 floods.

Midland Mayor Maureen Donker said, “Our community was dramatically impacted and thousands of people had their lives and livelihoods upended. Because of the city’s unique geographic characteristics, addressing flooding in Midland through infrastructure improvements is incredibly important to ensure the catastrophic damage that we saw does not happen again. I want to thank Representative Schuette for his efforts to bring these resources to the city of Midland.”

Tony Stamas, President and CEO of the Midland Business Alliance, stated, “With this funding, Midland can build back stronger and further position our community as a great place to live, work, start a business and raise a family. We represent over 3,000 businesses in the Midland area, and many were impacted in some way by the floods. Some lost everything. Representative Schuette understands how important these resources are to our community and worked to include them in this state budget, and we are thankful for his tireless commitment to job providers and workers throughout our area.”

Lee Ann Keller, President and CEO at Omni Tech International in Midland and a member of the Midland Business Alliance’s Committee on Infrastructure, commented on the significance of the investments: “Other areas of the country have implemented new technologies to address flooding concerns and make their states and communities more attractive and competitive. This investment is a gamechanger for Midland going forward and shows our community, our local businesses and our hardworking employees are a priority in Lansing.”

The allocations for Midland and the Four Lakes Task Force are among the largest individual project investments in this year’s state budget.

Schuette supported the budget agreement last week before it was sent to the governor. The agreement includes significant spending on local roads, public safety, education support, while aiming to manage government spending responsibly.

Four Lakes Task Force President Dave Kepler told the Midland Daily News after legislative approval of the $9.8 million: “We are grateful for Representative Bill G. Schuette’s leadership on securing this funding for our region. We also would like to thank our representatives Mike Hoadley and Senator Roger Hauck for voting for a budget that will secure funding to repair the dams. … This funding would help lower the burden on property owners for bringing back the lakes and restoring the dams.”

Schuette has also introduced legislation intended to assist residents in Midland and Gladwin counties by re-establishing Michigan’s Special Assessment District Tax Deferral program. The proposal would help individuals aged 65 or older or those who are permanently disabled with incomes under $34,900 by deferring special assessment taxes. The bills have advanced from committee and are under consideration by the Michigan House.

“In two terms representing workers and families in Midland and Gladwin counties, I have heard from countless people on these issues,” Schuette said. “Our area was front and center on the national news for what we went through. It was devastating and heartbreaking. People are still working to get their lives back after one of the worst natural disasters in the history of our state. I remain committed to doing everything I can to help us build back better and stronger, and these crucial investments are a key step.”