County Commission Working With Lobbying Firm To Pursue Grants

berriencountyadmin3-15
berriencountyadmin3-15

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is working with a Lansing based lobbying firm as it pursues state grants for local projects. Michael Krombeen with Midwest Strategy Group spoke to commissioners Thursday. He said there are billions in extra federal dollars in Michigan right now, and there are ways a county or city could strategize its pursuit of some of those funds.

“We started here last month trying to chase every opportunity to maximize no only state dollars, but a slew of federal dollars that are showing up in Lansing  for purposes that the county could take advantage of,” Krombeen said. “I will say I’ve never had a local government come in so prepared with a master plan of need. So, a kudos to the Berrien County staff for putting that together.”

Krombeen said a huge portion of the money available is for broadband expansion, something the county board has been working on all year. He noted legislation from state Senator Kim LaSata will create a whole new grant program for counties to get federal and state funds to internet service providers that increase access in underserved areas. Krombeen added there’s a large amount of funding available for parks grants as well. He noted Berrien County is receiving six of the 117 Natural Resources Trust Fund grants going out around the state this year. He complimented the county for being so proactive. He’ll report back to commissioners from time to time on Berrien County’s progress.