LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – State Rep. Julie Rogers of Kalamazoo says that the newly approved state budget will benefit the area with several projects getting funding.
One of the key projects receiving funds is the long-awaited US 131/131 Business Loop interchange. 20 million dollars will be provided for the reconstruction, which will help reduce the amount of truck traffic through Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood.
In addition to the U.S. 131 project, Rogers also advocated for funding for:
- $500,000 for a pilot project under the Community Based Crisis Response program to train behavioral health specialists to respond alongside law enforcement officers on calls involving individuals undergoing a behavioral health crisis, which she says is a pilot program that could serve as a model for police departments throughout the state.
- $250,000 to the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition for a multi-venue performing arts center in downtown Kalamazoo which Rogers says will serve as a hub for cultural and artistic events and contribute to the downtown community.
- $4 million for the Western Michigan University Autism Center of Excellence to expand services for children with severe needs. Rogers stresses that expanding the reach of programs to develop communication skills, play skills, behavioral intervention and other daily life skills is vital for both children and families served through the center.
- $3 million for the Michigan Geological Survey, housed at WMU, to continue its mission of conducting cutting-edge research and analyzing years of data, which she says benefits the entire state by providing scientific data to make public policy decisions that protect ground and surface water, prevent disasters by identifying geologic hazards, and managing our mineral resources.
- $530,000 for Kalamazoo Valley Community College to build a pipeline of careers in renewable energy which Rogers says is designed to train employees who will build a clean energy future for the community.
