State Rep. Al Pscholka introduced legislation to cut red tape and help local governments fund needed harbor improvements.
House Bill 4179 would add dredging to the list of acceptable infrastructure improvements for Tax Increment Finance Authorities (TIFAs).
“Outdated government regulations are costing our community jobs and making life more difficult for the people of Southwest Michigan, ” said Pscholka, R-Stevensville. “This is a common-sense change that allows some of the tax revenue from businesses in and around harbors to be used on necessary maintenance that will keep them up and running. We need to give local governments this option so boaters can gain access to the water and our local small businesses can make ends meet.”
Recreational boaters and boating activities generate billions of dollars in economic activity every year in Michigan, supporting more than 51,000 jobs statewide. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan have reached their lowest levels since record-keeping began in 1918, according to a recent Associated Press report.
“Michigan’s economy has started to turn the corner, and people are telling me they see things getting better around every day, ” Pscholka said. “But the low water levels could threaten to hold us back and make life harder for so many people in this community. The hard-working Michigan families who rely on the tourism industry need our support.”
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Press Release, February 7, 2013