LANSING, Mich., Dec. 14, 2023 — Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law House Bills 5074 and 4861 sponsored by state Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon). This legislation received broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Both bills target Muskegon County and allow for continued economic development. In response to the signings, Snyder issued the following statement:
“I’m proud to have been able to accomplish this legislation for greater Muskegon. It is critical we continue to grow, invest and develop downtown Muskegon, and both bills help achieve that goal. Whether it is ensuring Harbor 31 proceeds as planned or allowing Kids’ Food Basket to grow and expand their operation, I am committed to working every day to move Muskegon forward.”
HB 5074 amends the Tax Increment Finance Act regarding SmartZones, allowing for retroactive approvals. The bill remedies an administrative error in which the SmartZone was allowed to expire instead of being extended due to the Department of Treasury misplacing paperwork. The legislation allows for the SmartZone to be reestablished retroactively. This is needed for the continued redevelopment of this key lakefront property in Downtown Muskegon, now known as Harbor 31.
HB 4861 allows for the redevelopment of Muskegon County’s South Campus Office Complex on Apple Avenue by removing deed restrictions on the property. This will allow for the sale of one of the buildings to Kids’ Food Basket, which serves nearly 2,000 meals every weekday to school children in Muskegon County.
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