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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) commends the region’s congressional delegation for its bipartisan efforts to successfully secure funding for several key projects that have been among the LRCC’s highest regional priorities. The bipartisan government funding bill for fiscal year 2022 includes funds for a cargo ramp expansion at Capital Region International Airport, aid to help manufacturers compete globally, workforce training and development and additional infrastructure funding.

“These projects are critical for our region’s ability to upgrade our infrastructure, develop our workforce and compete more effectively in the global economy,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “We truly appreciate the hard work of our entire congressional delegation, especially U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, and Representatives Elissa Slotkin and John Moolenaar. Our region is fortunate to have congressional representatives who are willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to support the critical needs of the Lansing region and state of Michigan.”

Among the items of local importance in the legislation is the Capital Region International Airport receiving $8.1 million to expand its existing cargo ramp. The expansion will better position the airport to move higher cargo volumes domestically and internationally. Additionally, the City of Lansing received $1 million to modernize traffic signals and implement signal communications on the Michigan Avenue corridor to enable transit priority, emergency vehicle pre-emption, special event timing plans, and establish a framework to support autonomous and connected vehicles.

“Capital Regional International Airport has already established itself as a leader in supply chain logistics, most notably with the presence of a regional hub for UPS and the 200 jobs it provides,” said Daman. “There is considerable opportunity for growth as evidenced by the recent decision by Amazon to construct a million-square-foot fulfillment center in Delta Township. Our region needs to capitalize on this opportunity and continue to invest in growing our local airport.” “Continued investment in the Michigan Avenue corridor is important to our region’s future economic growth,” said Daman. “This investment further enhances the economic importance of the Michigan Avenue corridor and establishes new opportunities for further commercial and residential development.”

Other items in the legislation the LRCC has advocated for in recent years include $158 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which provides technical assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers to enable them to compete globally, support greatersupply chain integration and provide access to information, training and technologies; $2.9 million for workforce innovation and opportunity state grants; $235 million for registered apprenticeships.