To support Gotion’s growth, the Michigan Strategic Fund approved:
- A Critical Industry Program grant through the SOAR Fund in the amount of $125 million for the creation of up to 2,350 jobs in the Big Rapids area;
- A 30-year MSF-designated Renaissance Zone to Mecosta County valued at $540 million;
- A $50 million Strategic Site Readiness Program performance-based grant through the SOAR Fund will be administered by The Right Place to assist with infrastructure improvements.
Green Charter Township, Big Rapids Charter Township, and Mecosta County have authorized a 30-year Renaissance Zone in support of the project. Green Charter Township and Big Rapids Charter Township also expect to approve a 50-percent property tax abatement.
West Michigan Infrastructure Improvement Will Agriculture Industry
Muskegon County has been awarded a $60 million Strategic Site Readiness Program performance-based grant for the Southeast Regional Force Main project. The project will provide wastewater transport and disposal services for area agriculture companies including Fairlife, Continental Dairy, DeVries Meats, Applegate Dairy and Swanson Pickle. These companies plan to invest at least $187 million and create 145 jobs upon completion of the project.
The investment will meet a need to increase wastewater capacity that has consistently been identified by food processors in Ottawa and Muskegon counties as a barrier to growth. Development of the Southeast Regional Force Main will drastically increase carrying capacity, removing a longstanding barrier to growth and allowing key employers to grow in Michigan.
The project will strengthen the state’s agriculture industry, which contributes $104.7 billion annually to Michigan’s economy. In addition to enabling existing employers to grow and expand, the project will serve as a catalyst for future investment in the area. It will also create opportunity for much-needed housing development and attraction of new businesses in rural, underserved communities in both Ottawa and Muskegon counties.
“Fairlife has been a proud part of the West Michigan community for more than a decade, and the teamwork and commitment to bettering the community demonstrated in this project is a testament to the continued opportunity here for all of us,” said Tim Doelman, CEO, fairlife LLC. “This critical project will help fuel the next decade of growth for our employees who live and work here, our farm partners and our community as a whole.”
