Flushing View

In brief


Loan program offers support for revitalizing community properties

LANSING — The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority released a new program to entice local land banks to redevelop publicly owned properties and support growth in communities of all sizes.

Land banks in Michigan can get help redeveloping property in their inventory with support from the Michigan Land Bank Redevelopment Loan program. These short-term loans provide land banks with the capital to conduct redevelopment projects with the intention to sell the property after development.

“When local communities are given the opportunity to repurpose vacant land into projects that can be beneficial for growth, it’s a win for everyone,” Michigan Land Bank Director Josh Burgett said. “Leveraging Michigan Land Bank resources is our commitment to supporting redevelopment projects across the state and funding projects that lead to vibrant places or destinations.”

Rewarded loan agreements will allow local land banks an opportunity to use the funds for site prep, necessary permitting, construction and any other related cost in relation to developing county property. Redevelopment loans will be awarded to land bank authorities within the state and all land banks are eligible to participate in this new program. These low-interest loans are intended to be repaid within 12 months or immediately following the sale of the redeveloped property.

The application can be found here and on the Michigan Land Bank’s website at www.michigan.gov/landbank.

To learn more about their efforts to improve communities across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/LandBank. G.G.

Delta Dental Foundation investment in fluoridation totals more than $1.5 million

OKEMOS — To help improve oral health across the state, the Delta Dental Foundation has partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for nearly a decade and invested more than $1.5 million in dental sealant and fluoridation programs.

This year, the Foundation is providing $200,000 for sealants through MDHHS’ SEAL! Michigan program and $7,200 for the Village of Sheridan to upgrade its fluoridation equipment and install a new pump for an additional well.

“We are very pleased to support the SEAL Michigan program once again this year,” said Teri Battaglieri, Executive Director of the Delta Dental Foundation. “Our goal is to reduce tooth decay in children, and dental sealants are a great way to protect teeth from cavities. In addition to dental screenings and sealants, this program provides children and their parents with information about how to take care of their teeth and how to access dental care.”

Dental sealants help prevent tooth decay. The plastic coating seals off the dips and grooves on the top of teeth, preventing bacteria and food from getting caught and causing cavities. Sealants and dental screenings are provided to elementary and middle school students through the MDHHS Oral Health Program’s SEAL! Michigan program. Screenings, sealants and oral health education are all provided during the school day.

Last year, the program served nearly 6,700 children, with approximately 40,000 children served by the program since it began. With this year’s grant, the Foundation has provided more than $1 million to support the SEAL! Michigan program.

Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay.

Details: Visit Michigan.gov/oralhealth. G.G.

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