Grand Rapids Reporter

Up to $100 million will be given to eligible projects in the state by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.

MEDC is accepting applications for individual projects or multiple projects via Regional Subgrant Program applications which must meet guidelines that can be found on MEDC's program website, a recent news release said.

The City of Grand Rapids will submit a Regional Subgrant Program application for renovation projects that the public can utilize in the city, the release said. Those interested in submitting proposals may do so by contacting Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development at The Right Place, through his email (mrozt@rightplace.org) and submitting their applications. 

"Eligible applicants for real estate revitalization projects are individuals or entities working primarily to rehabilitate vacant, underutilized, blighted or historic structures; although new construction projects may qualify under certain circumstances," Jono Klooster, the City's assistant economic development director, said in the release. "These projects will be privately owned development projects, and the MEDC grant requires a minimum 50% match of the project's eligible costs."

The City of Grand Rapids accepted proposals until April 5, and those who turned in a proposal were not guaranteed they would be selected, but anyone interested in being included in the City's regional subgrant application was required to submit a proposal in order to be eligible for the grant, the release said.