LANSING — State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) supported a package of bills today that will incentivize redevelopment on large Brownfield projects. Senate Bills 111-115, also referred to as the MiThrive package, would create a new Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing (TIF) category and work to close financial gaps needed to revitalize large brownfield properties with mixed-use developments. The legislation could specifically help projects that are underway in the House District 23 community of Trenton.

“These bills could help create greater opportunity for redevelopment in and near Downtown Trenton, namely at the McLouth Steel site and the Riverside Hospital site,” said Camilleri. “Redeveloping Brownfield sites creates good-paying jobs in the skilled trades, and encourages families to stay in and move to a great Downriver community.”

McLouth Steel is one of the largest brownfield sites in Michigan. The legislative package creates Transformational Brownfield Development Plans, which encourage developers to take on big projects at these large Brownfield sites for which it would otherwise be difficult for a developer to find investment.

“I want to thank Representative Darrin Camilleri for his vote on this legislation to encourage redevelopment of Brownfields in our community,” said Trenton City Administrator Jim Wagner. “From the McLouth Steel Plant to Riverside Hospital to the DTE Channel Power Plant, Trenton residents are all too aware of the various sites across our city that have sat or may sit dormant with inadequate funding. Representative Camilleri's leadership on this issue will bring economic investment and jobs to our area as potential businesses redevelop these sites, and we are grateful for his tireless work representing our community's needs in Lansing."

The Downriver Community Conference also has come out in support of the legislation.