Appropriations Requests for : Eaton County Land Bank

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

No Cosponsors

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

Eaton County Land Bank

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

Land bank address: 1045 Independence Boulevard, Charlotte MI 48813. Intended project location: 224 N. Main St, Eaton Rapids 48827, Parcel 300-054-601-011-00 & 300-054-601-070-00

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

38-6004847

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$4,000,000.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

Funds would support the critical demolition, remediation, and redevelopment preparation of the Horner Mill Site, a long-blighted and unsafe property located at the primary gateway into the City of Eaton Rapids. This request follows continued dialogue and strong regional collaboration aimed at addressing what has been one of Eaton County’s most persistent public safety and redevelopment challenges. The Horner Mill Site, once home to a prominent industrial and woolen mill operation, has sat in progressive decline for over six decades. Today, the site includes eight crumbling structures that have been formally deemed unsafe, uninhabitable, and in violation of multiple state and local safety codes. A comprehensive environmental study has confirmed both structural and environmental hazards across the property, underscoring the urgent need for action. This appropriation represents a responsible and strategic use of public funds in a way that directly benefits the health, safety, economic vitality, and environmental integrity of a Michigan community. The Horner Mill Project meets several core objectives that align with statewide policy priorities: 1. Public Safety and Health: The buildings on this site pose a clear and ongoing danger to the public. The deteriorating structures are structurally unstable and attract illegal dumping and unauthorized entry, posing threats to nearby residents, emergency responders, and visitors. State funding will allow for immediate demolition and environmental abatement, eliminating these hazards and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. 2. Environmental Remediation and Floodplain Management: Approximately 70% of the property lies within a federally designated floodplain. The proposed plan includes demolishing all structures within this area and remediating the land for conversion to green space. This will reduce flood risk, improve stormwater management, and enhance the environmental aesthetics of the community’s most visible corridor. 3. Economic and Community Revitalization: The remaining 30% of the property lies outside the floodplain and holds substantial redevelopment potential. Long-term plans include a mixed-use development that will feature housing and small-scale retail aligned with community needs. By preparing the site through demolition and environmental cleanup, the appropriation will unlock future private investment and generate new tax revenue for the city, county, and state. 4. Regional Equity and Support for Underserved Local Capacity: The Eaton County Land Bank does not currently have funding reserves for a project of this magnitude. Similarly, the City of Eaton Rapids lacks the resources to address this issue independently. Without state support, the property will remain a stagnant liability. This appropriation empowers local governments with limited capacity to pursue transformational, community-driven revitalization in a region that has historically lacked access to such opportunities. The Horner Mill Project enjoys overwhelming community and regional support. Now that the Eaton County Land Bank is officially taking possession of the property, we are prepared to take swift and decisive action to implement this long-awaited vision. This appropriation is not only a sound investment in physical infrastructure and environmental restoration, but also in the safety, pride, and future prosperity of a Michigan community that has waited too long for meaningful change. It is a responsible use of taxpayer funds that leverages strong local commitment, addresses real public risks, and creates long-term public and economic benefit.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

✓ Yes: Federal Funding

Amount received: $1,000,000.00

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

1 year

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

No

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator Sarah E Anthony