Richardville bill will encourage economic growth in Grass Lake
LANSING - The Senate Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee today approved legislation that will encourage additional economic growth and expansion projects within the Grass Lake community in Jackson County, said Sen. Randy Richardville, sponsor of the bill.
"In the last five years, Grass Lake has embraced many new residents who work in and around Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County," said Richardville, R-Monroe. "Many have chosen to live in Grass Lake because of its friendly residents and small town atmosphere. The community is exploring ways to promote locally-owned businesses and keep up with the demands of its residents."
Senate Bill 455 will allow the township to create a Local Development Finance Authority to capture additional tax revenue from development projects, such as the expansion of the Tenneco Automotive engineering center.
Tenneco is an automotive supplier which specializes in the design, manufacture and marketing of emission-control and ride control products. By expanding, the company would accommodate additional development and testing capabilities to meet the growing demand for advanced emission control technologies.
"Expansion in the automotive industry is a rare thing for Michigan right now," Richardville said. "We should encourage it whenever we have the chance. Senate Bill 455 gives us that chance."
Jim Stormont, Grass Lake Township supervisor, testified before the committee about the importance of the measure.
"There are many exciting things happening in Grass Lake right now," Stormont said. "In addition to the Tenneco expansion, other companies are expanding their facilities or moving to the township creating jobs for area residents. Having a Local Development Finance Authority will help the township attract even more companies. It's a great opportunity to bring businesses to a small community."
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Editor's note: A photograph of Sen. Richardville and Jim Stormont testifying before the committee is available on the Senate Majority Photowire, located at: http://www.MISenateGOP.com/photowire/Index.htm.
Posted: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
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