LANSING, Mich., Sept. 7, 2022 — State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) is thrilled to announce that Southwest Michigan First — an economic development agency — is one of the Community Revitalization and Placemaking Grants Program (RAP Program) awardees, and the funds they have been granted will go toward improvements in Battle Creek.
“I want to send a huge congratulations to Southwest Michigan First for being awarded RAP Program grant funding for Battle Creek. There were almost 200 applicants competing for funding, so this is indeed an accomplishment to celebrate,” Haadsma said. “These funds are designed to support real estate redevelopment and placemaking that will attract and retain fresh, innovative talent. The Battle Creek-specific funds will go toward a project at the Tiger Room building — after renovations, the space will house an accelerator kitchen focused on good food and good health. Battle Creek is a food town, and we have a huge industry base that makes our community attractive for start-ups, so there is no doubt this regional collaboration between Southwest Michigan First and Battle Creek is going to be a success for all involved.”
The 2022-23 state budget included $100 million for the RAP Program. It provides grants to eligible real estate rehabilitation and place-based infrastructure projects, public space improvements, and local or regional partners coordinated subgrant programs. These are competitive grants, and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced today which applicants have been awarded funding, including the one in Battle Creek.