Peters, Stabenow Announce Funding for Economic Development in West Michigan

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission will receive a $210,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help spur economic development in West Michigan.

“Strong regional coordination helps attract new businesses and new jobs to West Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “I’m pleased to announce this funding, which will help ensure the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission can continue investing in the communities they serve to boost economic development and growth in West Michigan.”

“I applaud the efforts of these West Michigan communities in working together to create jobs and a stronger economy,” said Senator Stabenow. “This investment will help strengthen this cooperation and build on the region’s success in fostering economic growth.”

“We are pleased to have been awarded the EDA Partnership Planning grant,” said Erin Kuhn, Executive Director of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission. “Over the past 45 years, much of the economic infrastructure in West Michigan has been developed through this collaborative process. We look forward to continuing our economic development efforts in West Michigan.”

The award supports the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which is designed to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission will use the funding to work with local communities within the five-county region they serve, including Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana Counties. The award will help support the creation of a collaborative economic development strategy that identifies regional goals and objectives, and regionally significant economic development projects. The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission will also provide technical assistance to help implement selected projects.