LANSING – Two counties in the Upper Peninsula where among six to receive state transportation economic development grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The six Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grants total more than $6.8 million. They include projects in Chippewa and Delta Counties.
“The TEDF program makes a real difference in the economic vitality of communities across Michigan,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “These grants will support jobs in the Upper Peninsula, as well as downstate.”
Chippewa County
AMI Hose, LLC, is an automotive supplier that will be producing a Teflon-coated braided hose for the automotive industry in Sault Ste. Marie. The company chose the site on Industrial Park Drive for its proximity to AMI Industries and I-75.
AMI Hose will share an existing facility, located in an industrial park on the west side of the city, with AMI Industries. After considering Indiana, the company chose to locate in Michigan. The company will invest $2.7 million in new equipment and create 40 new jobs.
West Easterday Avenue connects Industrial Park Drive to I-75. Heavy traffic and drainage issues have caused the pavement to deteriorate and increased traffic from the planned expansion will lead to further deterioration. The proposed work will improve pavement condition, correct drainage issues, extend pavement life and allow AMI Hose to continue to use the all-season access that West Easterday Avenue provides.
The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $560,000, including $448,000 in state TEDF funds and $112,000 from the city.
Delta County
Omya, Inc. manufactures a variety of chemical products for several industries. At its new manufacturing plant co-located with the New Page paper mill in Wells Township, Omya will be manufacturing precipitated calcium carbonate for use in paper manufacturing.
It will invest $15,000,000 to construct a new plant and install equipment, creating six new jobs and transferring one position to Michigan.
RELATED: Road improvements funded at Escanaba Paper Mill for new Omya plant
Mead Road (County Road 59) is currently an all-season route that is severely deteriorated. The current shoulders are inadequate and drainage is poor. Omya commercial and employee traffic will use Mead Road to access the new plant.
In addition, all logging trucks accessing the paper mill currently use Mead Road to make deliveries and leave the mill. The project will allow Omya to bring in full truck loads on an improved all-season route, and the increased road width and shoulders will improve safety for all users.
The estimated cost for these transportation improvements is $250,300, including $200,000 in state TEDF funds and $50,300 from the Delta County Road Commission.
Other counties to receive TEDF grants are Ingham, Livingston, Oakland and Oceana Counties.
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