Earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Natural Recourses announced the Michigan Spark Grant. The grant program was created through the passage of Senate Bill 565, which I sponsored, and was signed into law on March 30 by the governor.

SB 565 provided an allocation of $65 million to help communities across the state to redevelop or create outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Applications for the Michigan Spark Grant are open now through Dec. 19. Eligible applicants must be local units of government or public authorities legally designated to provide public recreation or regional or statewide organizations of such entities working together.

Individual grant amounts will range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $1 million and will be distributed in three rounds:

All projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026. For more information, including program details and to watch the recorded informational webinar, please visit the Michigan Spark Grant website.

Recently, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved $60 million from the Strategic Site Readiness Program to go toward the Southeast Reginal Main Project in Muskegon County.

The project creates a pipeline from the Coopersville area and runs into the Muskegon County wastewater treatment plant. For many years, farmers, producers, and other industries have been burdened by strict regulations set forth by state departments, thus leaving them at risk of failure and hindering the potential for growth in West Michigan.

The pipeline project will relieve the burden and allow for further economic success in Muskegon County and West Michigan. It is estimated that with the completion of the pipeline there will be an additional $187 million investment from private companies in the area as well as the creation of 145 jobs.

The $60 million to fund this project was allocated to the Michigan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve from the recent appropriation supplemental bill, Senate Bill 844. Throughout the negotiation process, I fought for this funding so West Michigan would not lose another business because of bureaucratic regulations.

The Michigan Legislature recently voted to pass Senate Bill 842, allocating funding from the fiscal year 2023 budget to a new scholarship program, helping students cover the cost of school at one of Michigan’s higher education institutions.

The MI Achievement Scholarship would provide opportunities for students as costs continue to rise in all facets of our lives, including the cost of attendance at community colleges, universities, and trade schools.

Under Michigan’s current financial aid programs, approximately 60,000 students receive some form of financial aid. With full implementation of the MI Achievement Scholarship, that number is expected to double, reaching more than 120,000 students.

The MI Achievement Scholarship would cover a maximum of $2,750 per year for up to three years at a community college; a maximum of $5,500 per year for up to five years at a public university; a maximum of $4,000 per year for five years at an independent or nonprofit college or university; and a maximum of $2,000 per year for up to two years at a qualified occupational training program or private trade school.

A package of bills aimed at increasing road safety was recently signed into law.

House Bills 5569, 5732 and 5772, create a stable funding source for the Secondary Road Patrol (SRP) program and will allow county sheriff offices to provide improved highway safety across their counties.

Taken together, these bills will increase the SRP fund by $5 million each year, up from $10 million to $15 million. This increased, dedicated funding will now come from the liquor fund so the SRP fund is not reliant on unpredictable fees or general fund dollars.

The additional funding will be used to add officers to the road, and the consistent funding source will allow sheriff departments to plan better and give officers more employment stability, improving their recruitment and retention efforts. The funds can be used for employing additional personnel, purchasing equipment, enforcing laws in state and county parks, and providing selective motor vehicle inspection programs.

The fees that previously funded the SRP will now be redirected to fund law enforcement training grants.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters grants supply up to $3,000 to organizations committed to aquatic invasive species prevention. Funds are provided through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and MSU Extension.

Grants are available for passionate organizations dedicated to aquatic invasive species education and the protection of Michigan’s waterways. Organizations such as lake associations, watershed groups, nonprofits and local and tribal units of government, are encouraged to apply.

Up to $25,000 is available for the 2023 grant program. Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and do not require a local match or cost sharing.

The grant application period is now open. The deadline to apply is Dec. 16, 2022. Please visit Clean Boats, Clean Waters for more information or to apply.

The City of Muskegon Heights earlier this month celebrated the groundbreaking of the first affordable housing development in many years. The development is a part of a large collaborative and vision for the community of Muskegon Heights, known as, Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights.

Projects like these bring new opportunities and excitement to the residents in the area. This project and additional development to come will have a positive impact on Muskegon Heights and the surrounding areas. I am proud to see all that has been accomplished so far and look forward to continuing my support for Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights.

I want to remind area-residents of the following events taking place throughout the 34th District in the upcoming weeks.

Closing Day of Silver Lake State Park
Monday, Oct. 31
5:00 PM
Silver Lake State Park
8960 W Fox Rd.
Mears, MI 49436

Description: 10/31 is the last day to ride the Dunes and to camp at the State Park Campground for the season. More information here.


Neighborhood Meeting on Housing Counseling
Wednesday, Nov. 2
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Hart Community Center
407 State St.
Hart, MI 49420

Description: Whether you’re renting, looking to buy your first home, a long-time homeowner, or anywhere in between, Mid-Michigan Community Action is here for you! Come learn about the tools our HUD-certified housing counselors have to offer. More information here.


West Michigan Symphony Presents Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky
Friday, Nov. 4
7:30 PM
Frauenthal Center
425 West Western Ave.
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: A night of passionate and lyrical musical pyrotechnics. Hailstork: Fanfare on Amazing Grace. Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto no.2. Tchaikovsky: Symphony no.5. More information here.


Veterans Panel Discussion
Friday, Nov. 11
10:30 AM – Noon
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
1346 Bluff St.
Muskegon, MI 49441

Description: Conversations with valuable information for veterans, widowed spouses and families. More information here.


Mission United Veterans Day Parade
Friday Nov. 11
5:00 PM
Downtown Muskegon

Description: The parade will start at 5pm and begin on 7th street down to 2nd street on Western Avenue, downtown Muskegon. Please bring items such as socks, hats, gloves and hygiene products as there will be a ‘Stuff the Bus’ for Veterans parked in front of the Trinity Health Arena. More Information here.


Jingle Mingle Arts and Fair
Saturday, Nov. 12
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fremont Middle School
500 W Woodrow St.
Fremont, MI 49412

Description: Our arts and craft fair is a growing event! All handmade goods! Come start your shopping early. More information here.


Newaygo Networking Meet Up
Thursday, Nov. 17
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
1 State Road
Newaygo, MI 49337

Description: Business networking event hosted by Sui Generis Home Furniture and River County Chamber of Commerce. More information here.


Muskegon Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov 24
9:00 AM
Pigeon Hill Brewing Company
895 4th Street
Muskegon, MI 49440

Description: The Muskegon Turkey Trot has been a community tradition for over a decade. This family-friendly fun run & walk is the perfect way to jumpstart Thanksgiving morning. More information here.


Home For the Holidays Parade and Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 25
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Downtown Hart
16 S State St.
Hart, MI 49420

Description: Witness the season come aglow at the Community Tree Lighting at Hart Commons at the corner of State and Main Streets and visit with Santa after the parade. More information here.


Muskegon Area Drug Take Back Information

Description: Across Muskegon County there are sites where you can properly dispose unwanted or unneeded medication. To find a location near you and to learn more about the Muskegon Area Medication Disposal Program please visit www.mamdp.org.