Flint Receives $150,000 Grant to Assist with Police, Traffic During Events

The City of Flint has received a $150,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to help with public safety and traffic during events through the end of 2014.

The money will help with longstanding events beginning with Back to the Bricks and the Crim Festival of Races, but will also go to new festivals such as Bermudas on the Bricks and the Buckham Alley Fest. All together the events attract hundred of thousands to the city.

Kimberly Roberson, who directs the Foundation's grantmaking in the Flint area, said "local festivals deliver great entertainment, provide an important financial boost to area businesses, and help connect people with the city and one another. As a result, these events contribute significantly to the community's ongoing revitalization."

Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley said the Mott grant will help streamline public safety and traffic engineering services, such as detours and barricades, which are critical to the success of the events that draw so many people. "The City of Flint is very grateful for the Mott Foundation's efforts to ensure that downtown events continue to grow in popularity with families from all over the area who want to be part of Flint's growing festival culture."