Detroit is leading the transition to autonomous and electric vehicles. | Chuttersnap/Unsplash
Detroit is leading the transition to autonomous and electric vehicles. | Chuttersnap/Unsplash
Michigan won a competitive $52.2 million federal grant that will fund six projects to drive advanced mobility innovation.
The Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) will receive funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC), according to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D-MI) office.
"This grant will create and connect a robust, comprehensive start-up ecosystem, fundamentally changing the game for early-stage companies in the mobility space in Detroit," Ned Staebler, vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and president and CEO of TechTown Detroit, said in the press release.
DRP and its partners were selected from 60 finalists from across the country to receive the funding, the press release noted. They were awarded one of the biggest investments out of the 21 projects chosen. The grant will "advance the state's mobility and electrification leadership and build on Michigan’s economic momentum."
"Michigan put the world on wheels, and we are building on our legendary auto manufacturing heritage by working together to bring investment and jobs to every region of our state," Whitmer said in the press release. "For a century, we have led the way when it comes to cutting-edge manufacturing, and today's investment will capitalize on our core strengths by supporting six projects to improve site readiness, bolster workforce development, and support innovative start-ups. Together, we are building on our bipartisan economic development efforts, unique mobility and electrification initiatives, and continued strong auto investments.
"This collaboration between the state and several local stakeholders led by the Detroit Regional Partnership will help us keep growing Michigan's economy, creating good-paying jobs, and investing in every region of our state."
Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) spoke about the grant as well.
"Michigan has an opportunity to continue leading the way in innovation and the future of mobility," Peters said in the press release. "I was proud to pass the American Rescue Plan that made this funding possible and advocate for Detroit Regional Partnership to receive these critical federal resources. It will go a long way toward strengthening Michigan's leadership in developing and building electric and autonomous vehicles and the transportation systems of tomorrow in bold, new innovative ways. This investment is a big deal — it will not only support good-paying jobs but invest in our communities by creating new economic opportunities in metro Detroit and beyond and help bolster our supply chains."
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