Washington, DC - Congressman Dingell (D-MI15) is pleased to announce a grant from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) for $75,000.  The grant will enable SEMCOG to craft a comprehensive economic development strategy for Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties.  SEMCOG plans to coordinate economic development across communities to create new opportunities for business and diversify the regional economy. 

“The grant will help local governments in Southeast Michigan work together and with the private sector to facilitate economic recovery in Southeast Michigan,” said Congressman Dingell.  “A coordinated, multijurisdictional effort will be critical in laying the foundation for a brighter economic future for the region.”

Paul Tait, Executive Director of SEMCOG, added: “Our economy is clearly in transition. This grant will help us seize opportunities to diversify and reinvent our region’s economy for long term prosperity. We will succeed only through our private and public sectors working collaboratively…one of our goals for this grant.”

SEMCOG is comprised of local governments in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties and provides a forum for coordination on regional issues, such as environmental protection, transportation, and economic development.  It allows local governments to work together to implement policies that serve the region as a whole.   

Congressman Dingell also visited Workforce Development Offices in Wayne and Washtenaw County today.  He brought pizza for workers in the offices and told them to keep up the fine work they are doing as they try to find new opportunities for displaced workers.  He also has on his website a guidebook for displaced workers to provide some direction to individuals in need of a roadmap for accessing the myriad of options available.

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