Senators Stabenow, Peters Applaud $500,000 Grant for Flint to Revitalize South Saginaw Corridor Neighborhood

Friday, January 16, 2015

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today applauded U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro's announcement that Flint will receive $500,000 to help transform and revitalize the city's neighborhoods, making them safer for families and more prosperous for local businesses. This support comes through the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant program, which is focused on improving housing, education, health and public safety in local communities.

"Thanks to the hard work and focused determination of so many local leaders, Flint has made incredible progress in recent years," said Stabenow. "This funding recognizes this progress and will give an additional boost to the further transformation of the City and community."

"This grant puts the City of Flint on the path toward securing a brighter future, as members of the community work together with businesses and organizations to build safer, sustainable neighborhoods," Peters said. "This program will help revitalize areas in Flint and provide an avenue to affordable housing for middle class families and those working hard to get there."

"This new grant will enable us to work with residents, partners and the Flint Housing Commission to develop a neighborhood transformation plan," said Flint Mayor Dayne Walling. "This is another step forward in implementing the Imagine Flint Master Plan and demonstrating that we can create neighborhoods that are safe, vibrant, and inclusive in every part of the city."

Last year, Senator Stabenow wrote a letter to Secretary Castro in support of Flint's proposal. The city will work with the Flint Housing Commission and local stakeholders to invest in the South Saginaw Corridor and reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhood. The project includes a plan to build new rental units in the HUD-assisted apartment complex Atherton East. The next step is to apply for a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to fund construction.