Today, Congressman Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township), announced that the House of Representatives approved over $18,800,000 in community project funding he requested as part of H.R. 8294, a package of appropriations bills. In addition, the House Appropriations Committee has approved over $788,000 in community projects that Congressman Levin requested in bills that await House passage. The projects, totaling over $19,000,000, range from road and trail restorations to splash pad installations in parks to emergency operations center improvements.  The projects that have now passed the House include:

• HVAC Replacements in Berkley – $1,049,260
• Memorial Park Splash Pad in Center Line – $919,930
• Redruth Ave Reconstruction in Clawson – $424,000
• Freedom Trail Restoration in Clinton Township – $1,700,000
• 9 Mile Rebuild in Eastpointe – $4,380,000
• Martin Park Storage Building Conversion in Ferndale – $704,668
• Pop Up Hazel in Hazel Park – $470,000
• Trash Capture on Lake St. Clair – $1,600,000
• Home Upgrades Program with Habitat for Humanity in Madison Heights – $850,000
• Golf Road Reconstruction in Pontiac– $3,200,000
• New Animal Shelter in Royal Oak – $1,100,000
• Public Library Addition in St. Clair Shores – $1,500,000
• Drake Sports Park Pond Remediation in West Bloomfield – $320,000

The projects that have been reported out of the Appropriations Committee include:

• Emergency Operations Center in Bloomfield Township – $183,356
• Holocaust Education at the Holocaust Memorial Center – $605,000

“I’m proud to deliver such critical funding for our communities and worked hard to see this funding get through the House of Representatives. This milestone reflects the strength of the projects put forward by our amazing local leaders, and their ingenuity in finding new ways to support the people of Southeast Michigan. Importantly, many of these projects will serve our constituents most impacted by the pandemic in historically under-resourced neighborhoods as we work to build back better,” said Congressman Levin. “I would like to thank Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro, Interior Subcommittee Chair Betty McCollum and Transportation Subcommittee Chair David Price and their staff for including our important priorities.”

“I am very grateful for Congressman Andy Levin’s help on this important project. The new pop-up business space he worked to fund will create an exciting new destination point on John R., bringing food and retail opportunities to the south end of Hazel Park,” said Hazel Park City Manager Ed Klobucher.

“Boosting the investment and use of our public parks and greenspaces is a priority for City Council and will unlock the potential of a vital growing community recreation space in Martin Road Park. Thank you, Congressman Levin, for your advocacy and support of Ferndale,” said Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana.

“Words cannot explain how excited I am for Ferndale to be receiving Community Project Funding and support from Congressman Levin. This project will help elevate our community services, park usage, and provide an inclusive space where we can better serve our community,” said Ferndale Parks and Recreation Director LaReina Wheeler.

“Renovation of the St. Clair Shores Public Library’s Youth Services Room, which will include a makerspace, updated technology, and a designated area for young adults, will demonstrate to our community that the Library is an advocate for youth and families and is a driving force for the future,” said St. Clair Shores Public Library Director Rosemary Orlando. “We applaud Congressman Levin’s ongoing commitment and deep understanding of the powerful role that libraries play in society. He is a true Library champion.”

“The City of Pontiac is grateful to Congressman Andy Levin for his leadership and working hard to secure $3.2 million for the reconstruction of Golf Drive and Bagley Street. This project will enormously benefit the quality of life of Pontiac residents,” said Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel.

“We are thrilled to learn that Royal Oak’s significant animal shelter expansion project has moved to the next step in the congressional funding process and thank Congressman Andy Levin for recognizing the value of this project to our region,” said Royal Oak City Manager Paul Brake.

"Center Line’s Memorial Park has been a staple in the community since before I used to play there as a child. On any given day it is host to family picnics, graduation parties, company picnics, and people of all ages from ours and the surrounding communities. These improvements will enhance their experience and bring some much-needed renovations to one of our city’s gems. With nearly 1 million dollars in new investment, it will make Memorial Park one of the premier parks in Southern Macomb County,” said Center Line Mayor Bob Binson.

"As legislators, creating avenues to move things forward for our constituents is our number one priority! We want to thank Congressman Levin for prioritizing the improvement of major street infrastructure in Eastpointe! This project will provide much needed improvements to the roadway infrastructure and will positively impact residents as well as many adjacent communities. Thank you, again, for working with us to make a safer and more efficient Family Town," said Eastpointe Mayor Monique Owens.

Now that this funding has been approved by the full House, it heads to the Senate for consideration and must be signed by President Biden before we can be sure it will reach our communities.

Original source can be found here.