Michigan Secures Major Investment for Infrastructure and Business Growth
LANSING, Mich. – In a significant move to boost local infrastructure and economic growth, the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board has sanctioned significant support for Ottawa County’s City of Coopersville. This initiative includes enhancements to the city’s aging infrastructure and a substantial expansion of fairlife, LLC, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company known for its ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk products.
The investment by fairlife is expected to reach up to $650 million, promising the creation of 150 new jobs. Governor Gretchen Whitmer remarked, “Michigan is open for business and on the move. Today’s investment highlights how we’re competing hard for transformational projects and good-paying, high-skill jobs.”
Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, emphasized the importance of the West Michigan agribusiness corridor, stating, “We are thrilled to offer our support to the City of Coopersville and fairlife for projects that will impact every component of our ‘Make it in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places, and Projects.”
Infrastructure Overhaul in Coopersville
The MSF Board has allocated a $17 million grant through the Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) to upgrade Coopersville’s regional water system, which serves Coopersville, Polkton Charter Township, and Allendale Charter Township. This system, currently operating at 80% capacity, is over five decades old. Dennis Luce, City Manager for Coopersville, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the project’s potential to support both current residents and future economic growth.
Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage, noted, “Investments like this strengthen the region well beyond a single project. The combination of private investment and public infrastructure improvements helps address longstanding capacity constraints.”
Expanding fairlife’s Production Capacity
fairlife’s expansion involves adding two high-speed production lines to its Coopersville facility, increasing production space by approximately 245,000 square feet. This development is supported by an Alternative State Essential Services Assessment (ASESA) abatement worth around $3.9 million. The facility has been a community staple since 2012, currently employing over 400 people.
Tim Boring, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, underscored the significance of such partnerships, stating, “Longterm partnerships like these are evidence that companies see the strength of Michigan’s food, agriculture and forestry industry and want to leverage its success.”
Additional Approvals by MSF Board
In addition to the Coopersville projects, the MSF Board approved upgrades to Muskegon County’s wastewater infrastructure, a Michigan Business Development Program grant to La Colombe, and a Michigan Community Revitalization Loan for an apartment project in Grand Rapids.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature. Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan, subject to formalization in a performance-based project agreement.
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