State Lawmakers Approve Funding for Key Projects in the Greater Lansing Region

Funding Approved for New Lansing City Hall, Major Infrastructure Investments, Community Revitalization Projects Joint Training Innovation Center, and ongoing support from the state. 

(Lansing, MI) – The Greater Lansing region secured a major victory in the recently approved state budget as lawmakers approved funding for critical infrastructure and community revitalization projects supported by more than a dozen local organizations including the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). Several projects approved by state lawmakers were part of the Capital Region Improvement Support Package (CRISP) that was developed by regional partners. Among local projects and funding amounts approved by the legislature were: 

• $40 million toward helping fund construction of a new Lansing City Hall
• $40 million toward new Lansing housing projects
• $50 million in road and water infrastructure projects in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties
• $9.4 million for roadway improvements
• $5 million toward Lansing Center renovations
• $5 million towards construction of the Michigan Joint Training Innovation Center
• $1.7 million toward Lansing Riverfront
• $1 million ongoing state support for downtown Lansing 

“We are elated to have received funding for these projects that combined are truly game-changers for the Lansing area,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our local lawmakers in the Capitol Caucus who once again worked in a bipartisan fashion to fight for and win approval for their critical infrastructure projects.” 

In recognition of the critical importance that a thriving downtown in our capital city means to the region and the state, the local coalition developed CRISP, which included funding requests from the state of Michigan for projects and services that will revitalize Lansing’s central city.  Passage of the projects contained in CRISP are anticipated to enhance growth coming to our region in the next few years. Below are statements from regional partners and the Chairs of the Senate and House Appropriations Committee: 

“We are very proud of the way the region came together and worked collaboratively in a bipartisan way to support and secure these important projects,” said Robert Showers, CAPCOG member and Chair of the Clinton County Board of Commissioners. “The projects in the CRISP package will provide further growth opportunities throughout the region.” 

“This budget represents the priorities of the City of Lansing and our needs for the future as the Capital City.  While we continue to struggle with state employees working from home, the millions of dollars in this budget will allow us to work our plan to create more housing for residents downtown while recreating and increasing the vibrancy of our city both in daytime and after work hours.  It will also allow us to finally move to a new city hall, and reuse the current city hall site in a way that will help reinvigorate our downtown. And, it will provide dollars for us to provide resources to those of need, especially in our downtown area, with added resources for homeless and vagrancy. And the budget will help to preserve a historic resource by allowing us to fix our Bintz pool for the use of our whole community for free.  Lansing has historically been underfunded compared to other areas of the state. I thank our Representatives and Senators, especially Appropriation Chairs Anthony and Witwer, for ensuring equity for Lansing and Lansing area residents in this budget!” – Lansing Mayor Andy Schor 

“Lansing is more than Michigan’s capital city — it’s a critical hub of the future automotive industry. In order to build on the success of GM’s massive investment, we need to continue to make the capital region attractive and vibrant for people and businesses alike,” said state Rep. Angela Witwer (Delta Township), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’m dedicated to ensuring that we have vibrant communities, good roads, updated water infrastructure and site-ready opportunities to secure more good-paying jobs in the immediate future and beyond.” 

“Last week, the legislature passed a budget that prioritizes people over special interests, which will have a particularly positive impact on the mid-Michigan region,” said State Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “Since the beginning, I’ve prioritized meeting with local elected officials, community leaders, and constituents to craft a budget that our region can be proud of. In doing so, our budget makes historic investments in our small businesses, public infrastructure, and our workers while remaining fiscally responsible and implementing enhanced transparency measures. I can’t wait to see the transformative impact that this budget will have on the Greater Lansing area.”    

The Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau was pleased to advocate collectively for funding that will impact the entire region including the tourism and hospitality industry.  The budget allocation for the Lansing Center, Jackson Field, riverfront development, trail expansions, the Capital Region International Airport as well as specific funding to attract larger conventions and events to the community and to support CVB marketing will go a long way to continue to grow the tourism economy in the region.  Thanks to everyone involved in making all this come together in such a positive way! – Julie Pingston, Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO 

“We are excited about the historic amount of state funding for a number of critical projects in mid-Michigan that are important for the region’s continued economic growth and development, including the $9.4 million the airport received for roadway improvements that are crucial to support continued land utilization and development opportunities at the airport,” said Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority. “This funding is the result of strong regional leadership lead by Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony and House Appropriations Chair Angela Witwer, and we are grateful for their continued support and commitment to our region.” 

About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce:
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. No mid-Michigan business stands alone when they are a member of the Chamber. For 122 years, the Lansing Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about LRCC and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@lansingchamber) and LinkedIn.

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