ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. — The City of Holland will be getting some infrastructure upgrades amid the construction of a new battery facility thanks to a grant approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grant, a Michigan Department of Transportation program, goes toward improving roads and highways across the state.
Gov. Whitmer has approved just under $5 million to go toward projects in Allegan County and Saginaw County.
In Holland, the grant will help support a new LG Energy Solution Michigan facility by improving roads leading to the development. LG Energy Solution Michigan designs and makes large lithium-ion polymer battery cells that are used in electric vehicles, information technology and other sectors.
The new 1.8-million-square-foot facility will be built adjacent to the current headquarters in Holland. To help with this construction, 40th Street and Waverly Road will need improvements.
40th Street will be widened to three lanes, right-turn lanes will be added and it will be resurfaced from Industrial Drive to Waverly Road. There will also be improvements added between Waverly Road and the bridge over the Macatawa River.
The road project is expected to cost $3.5 million. The grant will provide $2.8 million, and LG Energy Solution Michigan is contributing $714,610.
“We believe this collaborative project will benefit drivers in the area, key stakeholders, and employees, while our company prioritizes a greener future and transforms the automotive industry as a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles,” said Roger Traboulay, senior manager of Energy Engineering at LG Energy Solution. “We appreciate the partnerships with the State of Michigan, City of Holland and Lakeshore Advantage to improve the surrounding roads and infrastructure.”
In Saginaw County, a new Corning facility will be built. Road improvements are also needed to support this development, and Gov. Whitmer has approved $1.9 million toward the construction costs.
"Together, we are taking action to power our economic development, build new factories, and keep creating strong economic opportunities for our workers. Let’s keep getting it done,” said Whitmer.
Gov. Whitmer said these grants will help support over 1,700 jobs in Allegan and Saginaw counties during this construction.
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