REGION 8 NOTES

September/October 2004

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

The 2005 CEDS process begins on October 6 with the first meeting of the CEDS Committee.  Invitations for projects will go out to communities in November and project descriptions are due back to the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission (WMRPC), from communities, by February 2005.  The CEDS Committee meets from October through June to solicit and evaluate projects from across the seven-county area covered by the WMRPC.  The process is extremely easy – involving a one-page project description.  While the process is very simple, it is only the first step necessary if your community is interested in obtaining a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).  EDA grants are available for projects related to job creation – such as industrial parks, and the expansion of utilities such as roads, water, and sewer.  Contact Dave Bee, or one of your County’s CEDS Committee members, if your community has an idea for an EDA project.  Make 2005 the year your community puts a lot of thought and effort into potential economic development projects! 

Recreation Plans and Grants

Another ongoing opportunity for communities is the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) administered through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).  Each April the MDNR accepts applications for recreation projects – either land acquisition or development of outdoor facilities.  The MNRTF is for both acquisition and development projects and funds up to 75 percent of a project’s cost.  The LWCF is a 50 percent grant for development projects.  Both opportunities are very competitive and require a lot of effort in the preparation of the grant applications.  Additionally, communities seeking grants must have an approved plan to the MDNR at least one month before the grant applications are due.  The five-year recreation plans must include the following features:

• A description of the community’s physical features

• A description of the community’s social features

• An inventory of recreation facilities

• A public participation process

• A description of the administrative structure

• Goals, an Action Plan, and a Capital Improvements Schedule

• Justification for each project   

The WMRPC is available to assist communities in developing a recreation plan.  Contact Dave Bee if you are interested in receiving planning assistance.  Plans should be started now if communities are interested in the 2005 grant cycle.

Hazard Mitigation Plans

Over the past two years the WMRPC has worked with the Emergency Management Division of the Michigan State Police to develop Hazard Mitigation Plans across the region.  The first round of plans included Montcalm County, Osceola County, and the City of Ionia.  These three plans are completed and awaiting final approval.  Currently, the WMRPC is working with Ionia County and Mecosta County to develop plans.  Both of these plans are well underway and should be in draft form by November. 

These plans help identify steps necessary to reduce the impacts of emergencies such as flooding, forest fires, storms, etc. and involved many opportunities for people to take a thorough look at their communities to determine how to prioritize actions necessary to protect the area’s people and resources.  Contact the WMRPC if you are interested in Hazard Mitigation Planning for your community.

Rural Transportation Meetings

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is holding a Rural Consultation meeting this fall.   This meeting provides an opportunity for elected officials and transportation professionals from rural areas to comment on future MDOT projects and programs; including the Five-Year Plan, Future Corridor Needs, and general transportation issues.  The WMRPC is working with MDOT to present information on key funding programs for rural communities at the meeting.  

Notification of meeting time and place will be sent to Counties, County Road Commissions, Municipalities, and Townships in Ionia, Mecosta, Montcalm and Ottawa counties.   This meeting is a key component of MDOT’s public involvement process, and provides an excellent opportunity for community input on future transportation decision making.  If you have any questions please contact Steve Redmond – MDOT Grand Region office (616) 451-3095, RedmondS@ Michigan.gov) or Dave Bee at the WMRPC.  Information on similar meetings for Allegan County and Osceola County will be forwarded to communities as soon as more information is available.   

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