State aims to revive struggling cities

Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Wednesday the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, is helping 10 Michigan companies and backing two brownfield redevelopment projects that are expected to create 2,245 jobs and retain 11,254 jobs. The projects could generate more than $791 million in investments for the state.

Brownfield redevelopment projects are incentives that invest in the redevelopment of abandoned and contaminated sites for commercial or residential purposes.

The new projects include an expansion of a high-tech electronic and aerospace company in Walker, Mich., and a new manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, Mich., which will produce materials for the advanced battery sector.

“The scope of these company expansions and redevelopment projects demonstrates that Michigan has the competitive business climate, infrastructure and talented workforce that companies are looking for as they compete in the global marketplace,” Granholm said in a press release.