In the shadow of Flint Bishop Airport, residents say they feel burned by a $261 million to lure a megafactory. A state lawmaker says the state ‘bankrolled a lose-lose situation.’
MI Corporate Subsidies
An enterprise project from March 2024.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Genesee County leaders still bullish on megasite’s potential, despite setbacks
Manufacturing has cratered in the county since the early 1980s, and a huge site near Flint Bishop Airport could help ‘reverse decades of job loss and sluggish population growth,’ boosters say.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Inside Michigan’s secret $261M plan to raze homes for megafactory that never came
Documents obtained by Bridge tell the story of one of the biggest gambles of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s tenure. The taxpayer-funded project to lure a major employer to mid-Michigan kept residents and some lawmakers in the dark, demolished neighborhoods and so far has come up empty.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan Gov. Whitmer pushes for subsidies, as $261M megasite awaits deal
In her final year in office, the Michigan governor seeks another $150 million for land development. Boosters say that’s necessary to lure jobs. Critics say Michigan’s efforts ignored residents’ wishes.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Mundy Township megasite won’t house data center; demolitions continue
Months after Sandisk withdrew plans for a semiconductor plant near Flint Bishop Airport, demolitions continue to assemble the megasite — even without a clear occupant.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Gotion: Green Township owes us ‘significant monetary damages’ for failed deal
The electric battery company is blaming the Mecosta County community for the collapse of a once-ballyhooed project, filing court papers indicating it may seek ‘significant monetary damages.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan OKs $605M for Grand Rapids high rises, Kalamazoo courthouse rehab
The bulk of the subsidies are to a development near the Grand River led by members of the powerful DeVos and VanAndel families. Advocates say they’re an important project. One critic says the deal was rushed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan lawmakers unveil plan to repeal data center tax breaks
As a wave of new data center proposals prompts growing controversy in Michigan, two lawmakers are pushing legislation to repeal the tax breaks that have lured the industry to the state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Ford retreats from EVs after Michigan spends big on subsidies for battery plants
After losing billions, the automaker is downsizing its EV strategy and expanding into energy storage. That means big changes to production at the planned $3.5 billion BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Lawmaker: Stop demoing houses on Genesee County megasite without a deal
Michigan budgeted up to $31.6 million to clear land it bought for a megasite, in part by tearing down houses. One lawmaker says that’s a waste.