FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces 145 New Jobs and Critical Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Agricultural Industry, Economic Growth in Ottawa and Muskegon Counties
LANSING, Mich. – Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) support for a critical infrastructure project spanning Ottawa and Muskegon counties that will help to secure additional investment and jobs in West Michigan’s food and agricultural industry.
The Southeast Regional Force Main project will allow the city of Coopersville to redirect wastewater north to the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center, providing additional wastewater capacity necessary for continued growth of agricultural employers in the area, including Fairlife, Continental Dairy, DeVries Meats, Applegate Dairy and Swanson Pickle. The project will result in the creation of up to 145 new jobs and a capital investment of up to $187 million in Ottawa and Muskegon counties.
“These critical infrastructure upgrades will generate $187 million in investment supporting 145 jobs in West Michigan’s food and agriculture industry and lay the groundwork for strong future growth in,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Building the new wastewater line will connect employers like Fairlife, Continental Dairy, DeVries Meats, Applegate Dairy, and Swanson Pickle to the resources and services they need to grow and expand their businesses. I am proud that Republicans and Democrats worked together on the economic development toolkit that has empowered us to build up our infrastructure, construct much-needed housing developments, and bring new businesses and economic opportunity to rural communities in Ottawa and Muskegon Counties. Let’s keep wor …