Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduces New Bill at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI to Remediate & Redevelop More Disused Manufacturing Space Across U.S.
PONTIAC, MI – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the RESTART Communities Act in the U.S. House of Representatives and hosted a press conference about the legislation at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, M1 Concourse CEO Tim McGrane, and RACER Trust Deputy Redevelopment Manager and Director of Government Relations Patricia Spitzley. U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan (D-IN) co-sponsored this legislation.
The Revitalization Efforts for Sustainable Transformation and Remediation for Thriving Communities Act or the RESTART Communities Act aims to enhance interagency collaboration at the Federal level to empower local communities with the resources and practices needed to redevelop shuttered manufacturing sites requiring environmental remediation. This legislation will authorize the Federal government to create and disseminate best practices, streamline funding opportunities, provide other essential technical resources, and promote revitalization and remediation stakeholder collaboration to give manufacturing facilities and their surrounding communities a second chance at sustainable economic growth. By simplifying Federal support activities, the RESTART Communities Act empowers local communities to create new economic opportunities and protect the public health.
“The RESTART Communities Act represents a significant step forward in unlocking incredible economic opportunities for shuttered manufacturing sites across the country, especially those that feature harmful environmental pollution,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “By bringing together local, state, and federal partners, we can clean up our communities and create new, high-quality jobs in the communities that need them most.”
“In Northwest Indiana and in manufacturing regions across the country, we must ensure communities have the full and efficient support of the federal government for remediation programs,” said Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN). “I am proud to join Rep. Stevens in supporting this outstanding initiative to promote streamlined processes and success for revitalizing local economies.”
“Representative Stevens has long been a forward-thinking national leader on the need to support collaborative economic revitalization in communities affected by both job losses and environmental concerns,” said Elliott P. Laws, Administrative Trustee, RACER Trust. “The RESTART Communities Act of 2024 provides important tools to promote community-focused solutions on a national scale, including training and educational programs to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills they will need to carry these initiatives in the future. As a member of the White House staff at the time, Representative Stevens was a key figure in building the framework of RACER Trust and has watched as RACER’s application of its mandate has resulted in tens of thousands of new jobs and significant reductions in risks to human health and the environment. We are pleased to support Representative Stevens in her efforts and urge members of Congress to pass the RESTART Communities Act of 2024.”
“We are grateful for Congresswoman Stevens’ continued bipartisan leadership to support economic development and community revitalization,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair. “The RESTART Communities Act supports the core vision of Team Michigan’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects by empowering communities to breathe new life into outdated, shuttered manufacturing sites. When we strengthen a community’s ability to create more vibrant places and welcome the businesses that employ their residents, it’s a win for them. By streamlining and simplifying access to essential federal support through this act, more of our friends and neighbors will ‘Make It’ in Michigan.”
"Too many communities in Michigan and across the country are dealing with legacy pollution from contaminated sites left behind by industry, and we need more tools for remediation and cleanup," said Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. "We appreciate Congresswoman Stevens' leadership with the introduction of the RESTART Communities Act, which will make sure that as many resources as possible can go toward remediation and revitalization of contaminated vacant sites. Local communities need all levels of government to be working together to better protect health, and the collaboration created by the RESTART Communities Act will help prevent the public's exposure to pollution, attract reinvestment for new businesses, and ensure that taxpayer resources are used effectively in the cleanup process."
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
A complete recording of the press conference and accompanying photos can be found here.
The RESTART Communities Act is endorsed by the RACER Trust, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, the Detroit Regional Chamber, Oakland County, United Wholesale Mortgage, and Mayor of Pontiac Tim Greimel.
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