LOWELL CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A major development is moving forward that could generate thousands of new jobs in Kent County. The state has announced a multi-million dollar grant for a new project in Lowell Township, which is partnering with The Right Place.
It will be built just off I-96, at the corner of Cascade Road and Alden Nash.
"Lowell Charter Township has had a vision for this parcel for the better part of 30 years," says Travis Alden, community development director for The Right Place.
Now, the township can make that vision a reality thanks to a $17.5 million dollar grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, specifically its new Strategic Site Readiness Program.
"The impact for this community is going to be huge to create a lot of good paying jobs that in turn will help surrounding businesses in this area, including downtown Lowell," says Jerry Hale, the township's supervisor.
The money will now help develop the 237-acre space into a commercial and industrial park, hoping to attract new business to the area.
"It really can be a mix of, you know, national footprint sort of companies, but also local homegrown ones that just really need some expansion space," says Alden.
He says it's a great opportunity to promote growth.
"It could work out to about 3,000 new jobs created here," says Alden.
They're excited to bring that kind of economic boost to the area.
"Greater Grand Rapids and West Michigan is really one of the bright spots in the state of Michigan in terms of growth and energy and momentum," says Alden. "And we want to be able to keep that moving forward in a smart way that's consistent with what local communities want to see. I think it's kind of a sweet spot for seeing that really come to fruition moving forward."
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