The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has announced the Downtown Infrastructure Grant Program (DIG) aimed at helping low and moderate income Michigan non-entitlement communities to improve their downtown infrastructure quality and reduce redevelopment costs for future projects.

DIG, a Community Development Block Grant program, is designed to provide public infrastructure improvement funding to projects located in a traditional downtown. The maximum grant that will be awarded to a community is $750,000. A total of $4 million in grant funds is available through the DIG program.

Funding priority will be given to holistic infrastructure projects that have design elements that contribute to creating a unique environment for the community.

The program is intended for Michigan non-entitlement communities – communities that do not receive funding directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Approximately 375 Michigan communities are eligible for funding. For more information on the DIG program, visit here: www.michiganbusiness.org/DIG2013

Electronic or hard copy submissions are due by Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must address all items on the Part I application to be considered for funding.

There will be a question/answer period regarding the application and questions will be accepted until September 19, 2013. The Q&A period begins September 3, 2013 and answers will be posted weekly online at www.michiganbusiness.org/DIG2013 Questions should be directed to CDBG@michigan.org.

Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development and land use issues. She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.