Appropriations Requests for

• Cosponsoring legislators' names (if applicable):
• Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:
  Physical address: Discover Kalamazoo, 240 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Intended location of the project/activity: 1617 N. Drake Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Parcel ID: 05-12-413-001 (per City of Kalamazoo GIS) Site: Approximately 20 acres in the northwest quadrant of the parcel currently owned by Westgate 131, LLC We are asking for support to extend Maple Hill Drive north for approximately one half of a mile.
• The recipient's employer identification number:
  208202747
• Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:
  $876,810.00
• What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?
  This project seeks support to extend Maple Hill Drive to ensure safe, direct access to a new regional indoor youth sports facility in Kalamazoo County. The construction of the youth sports facility itself is being funded through a hotel assessment via the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District, with no general taxpayer dollars involved. This request seeks assistance to fund the road infrastructure necessary to make the project viable. Specifically, we are seeking $876,810, one-half of the total road infrastructure cost, with the remaining half funded by the Kalamazoo County Event Center Assessment District. The total cost of the transportation improvements associated with the Maple Hill Drive extension is estimated at $1,753,620, broken down as follows: Asphalt paving: ± $306,700 Concrete curb and gutter: ± $122,500 Concrete sidewalk: ± $195,000 Water, sewer, and sanitary infrastructure: ± $715,000 Electrical (street lighting, including poles, bases, wiring, and controls): ± $255,000 The vision for the facility was developed through extensive professional research and community engagement that identified a clear shortage of indoor youth sports space in Kalamazoo County and across Southwest Michigan, particularly for basketball and volleyball, among other activities. This research was further validated through discussions with local and regional sports organizations, which consistently highlighted unmet demand, limited access for youth participants, and missed opportunities to host tournaments that bring visitors and spending into the county. The new facility is intended to serve residents throughout Kalamazoo County while attracting teams and families from across the State of Michigan and more broadly throughout the Midwest. A site was selected in the City of Kalamazoo along the US-131 corridor, just north of I-94 at the West Main Street interchange. This location offers strong local access while also connecting efficiently to a statewide highway network, positioning the facility to function as a true regional asset for Kalamazoo County. The site is adjacent to existing hotels, restaurants, and retail, maximizing the economic impact of tournaments and events, and includes land to accommodate future expansion. To prepare the site for development, Maple Hill Drive must be extended north approximately one-half mile to connect the facility directly to US-131 via West Main Street. The proposed street extension also supports broader transportation and land-use goals for Kalamazoo County, creating new connectivity consistent with Oshtemo Township’s adopted master plan. In addition to vehicular access, the project is designed to connect to the local non-motorized trail and sidewalk network. These improvements will provide safe access for residents, link nearby businesses, and create connections to public schools such as Kalamazoo Central High School, further strengthening opportunities for youth and families throughout the county. As previously stated, this request seeks $876,810, representing one-half of the total infrastructure improvement cost, with the remaining half funded by the KCECAD. In total, the overall project investment is estimated at $45,000,000, with infrastructure improvements accounting for a relatively small but essential portion of the project. Local Kalamazoo County firms have been selected to support construction management, civil engineering, architecture, and site preparation, ensuring that the investment directly supports local jobs and businesses. In summary, this project represents a strategic infrastructure investment that will unlock a major recreational and economic asset for Kalamazoo County, expanding access to youth sports, supporting underserved populations, and driving long-term visitor spending at hotels, restaurants, and local services across the county and the region.
• Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?
• If so, how?
• Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:
  August 2027
• Has the nonprofit corporation continuously operated in this state for the preceding 36 months?
  Yes
• Has the nonprofit corporation had a physical office in this state for not less than the preceding 12 consecutive months?
  Yes
• Does the nonprofit corporation have a board of directors?
  Yes
• List all of the officers and active members on the board of directors:
  Craig Davies, Greenleaf Hospitality Group (Chair) Jeff Breneman, Western Michigan University (Vice Chair) Rich MacDonald, Hinman Company (Secretary) David Beysiegel, Greenleaf Hospitality Group (Treasurer) Abigail Wheeler, County Commissioner Liaison Jane Ghosh, Discover Kalamazoo Michelle Hargrave, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Clarence Lloyd, Southwest Michigan First Amy Luce, Kalamazoo House Bed & Breakfast Troy Thrash, Air Zoo Megan Zielke, Vintage in the Zoo

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator