The city of Detroit is getting $52.3 million to deal with its blight problem.
Several other Michigan cities are also getting money to tear down abandoned homes and clean up other vacant buildings.
In June, the U.S.Treasury Department approved $100 million dollars to help several Michigan cities deal with blight.
In addition to the money going to Detroit, the governor’s office announced today that the city of Flint will receive $20.1 million. Saginaw, Grand Rapids and Pontiac will also receive some money from the federal government’s Hardest Hit fund.
The money will be used to demolish dilapidated homes. The intent is to remove obstacles to revitalizing neighborhoods.
“With these funds, we’ll be able to launch large-scale demolition programs that strike at the blight that is weakening too many neighborhoods in these cities,” said Governor Rick Snyder in a written statement.
Bill Nowling is a spokesman for Detroit’s emergency manager. He says “This is excellent news for Detroiters.” Nowling says the demolition work may begin as early as next week in Detroit.
Demolition projects funded by the federal money are expected to start soon in the other four cities on the list.
Jason Lorenz is the city of Flint’s spokesman. He says Flint officials are “grateful for this unprecedented level of support.”
