The state's vision for electric vehicle manufacturing is main reason that it received the grant. | USDOT/Facebook
The state's vision for electric vehicle manufacturing is main reason that it received the grant. | USDOT/Facebook
State leaders are touting a $52.2 million grant toward auto investment that is expected to facilitate more jobs in Southeast Michigan.
The Detroit Regional Partnership will receive the grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“We have witnessed difficult transitions in manufacturing throughout our institute’s history. The transformation of the automotive industry is challenging, but it presents many opportunities,” Steve Wilson, executive director of the University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute, said in the release. “The Detroit region is the Global Epicenter of Mobility, we are fortunate to have a world-class supply chain to support this transformation. The STC is ready to assist and connect resources to ensure these manufacturers are the future of the GEM.”
DRP and its partners were selected from 60 finalists nationwide and were awarded one of the biggest investments out of the 21 projects chosen.
“Michigan put the world on wheels, and we are building on our legendary auto manufacturing heritage by working together to bring investment and jobs to every region of our state,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “For a century, we have led the way when it comes to cutting-edge manufacturing, and today’s investment will capitalize on our core strengths by supporting six projects to improve site readiness, bolster workforce development, and support innovative startups. Together, we are building on our bipartisan economic development efforts, unique mobility, and electrification initiatives, and continued strong auto investments.”
Whitmer said the grant was made possible through a partnership that sought to put the best interests of Michigan front and center.
“The world is experiencing a once-in-a-century mobility revolution, and the Detroit region is poised to ensure the U.S. leads the way. The Global Epicenter of Mobility is designed to support mobility in every sense of the word, from the transition to autonomous and electric vehicles to social and economic mobility,” DRP CEO Maureen Donohue Krauss said. “Building on 400-plus unique assets, GEM will support workers, startups, and existing companies so they can adapt to the rapidly evolving advanced mobility industry and create the new high-quality jobs of the future.”
The grant is expected to continue the state’s economic upswing, as it seeks to be a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing.
Alerts Sign-up