Flint to Receive Over $20 Million in Federal Funds to Fight Blight

Governor Rick Snyder has announced the distribution of $100 million in federal funds to help fight blight in five cities across the state. Flint, Detroit, Pontiac, Saginaw and Grand Rapids will split the money to fund large-scale projects to stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and fight crime according to a statement from the Governor's office. While Detroit will receive the majority of the funding with $52.3 million, Flint is next in line with $20.1 million (Saginaw will receive $11.2 million and Pontiac and Grand Rapids will split the remainder).

In a statement, Governor Snyder said "with these federal funds, we'll be able to launch large-scale demolition programs that strike at the blight that is weakening too many neighborhoods in these cities." This aggressive anti-blight effort will help stabilize neighborhoods that have been struggling for years. As the abandoned properties come down, property values will go up, and crime will go down."

The funds were distributed by a formula from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)  that weighed vacancy and blight elimination data.

Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) who was instrumental in getting the funds reallocated to the state said "over $31 million for Flint and Saginaw is a significant that will help move and re-purpose thousands of abandoned homes in our communities. Since being elected, one of my top priorities has been working with state and federal officials, including the U.S. Department of Treasury and Michigan State Housing Development Authority, to secure these funds for mid-Michigan. Removing blighted homes, as these federal funds will do, will help to rebuild our neighborhoods and restore property values for homeowners. I look forward to working with local officials to maximize the impact of these funds in our neighborhoods."

Demolition work is scheduled to begin in Detroit later this month and within the next several week in other cities.