LANSING – State Representative Mike Simpson (D-Jackson) today announced that a bill he and Sen. Randy
Richardville (R-Monroe) crafted has passed the House. Senate Bill 455 will amend the Local Development Financing
Authority (LDFA) so Grass Lake can
attract more economic opportunity.
"This is great news for Grass
Lake," Simpson said. "Allowing the township to utilize the LDFA has the
potential to attract jobs and new businesses to our community. I'm so pleased we were able to put partisanship behind us
to work together and pass this legislation."
The LDFA allows a city, village or urban township to utilize tax increment financing to fund public infrastructure
improvements. Communities across Michigan have utilized this tool to extend sewer and water lines, construct roads, and
support manufacturing, agriculture processing or high-tech operations.
Simpson said he received a letter from Jim Stormont, Grass Lake Township Supervisor, asking for assistance in
getting Grass Lake qualified as an
LDFA district. Once that is established, the LDFA prepares a development plan and a tax increment financing plan to
submit for approval by the municipality following a public hearing. After the municipality adopts the plans via
resolution, the development plan is implemented.
"I'm very pleased Rep. Simpson was able to get this before the House for a vote so quickly," Stormont said. "And I'm
very excited about what this means to Grass
Lake Township and our ability to attract
high-tech businesses to our community."
