© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State House passes Wixom tax credit extension

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

WIXOM, MI – The state House has passed legislation that will extend $100 million in tax credits to turn the shuttered Ford plant in Wixom into a green technology center.

Ford plans to sell the property to companies that make solar panels and energy-saving batteries. This would be the first major overhaul of an auto plant to green technology. The Legislature must pass the tax credits before September 14th to insure the companies can secure federal loans.

State Representative Lisa Brown says those federal loans are integral to a deal with Ford:

"I can't say this enough; time is of the essence," she says. "We must pass these credits quickly or we risk losing the federal loans that will keep this project in Michigan. And by losing this project we'll be losing thousands of jobs for our state."

A Senate committee passed the tax credit extension last week. The legislation is expected to pass in the full Senate as well.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!