BUCHANAN, Mich. -- On Wednesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $25 million in statewide placemaking grants to "support vibrant communities and encourage population growth," and two of the 48 communities designated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to receive Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program funding are local communities in Berrien and Cass Counties. 

Through the grant funding, the Village of Cassopolis will receive $1,247,800 and the City of Buchanan will get $1,000,000. 

According to grant applications, Buchanan's funds will be used to support the Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative.

"The new streetscapes and Adaptive Street portions of the project total over 50,000 sq. ft. of enhanced sense of place within the community," the Governor's Office said on Buchanan's proposed project.

"The area will be transformed with widened sidewalks, new amenities, community branding and a new 'living streets' concept that will be a centerpiece of the project and will focus on community engagement and flexibility in the use of public space."

Buchanan's current Mayor, Mark Weedon, hopes the funding will beautify spaces downtown. 

“The Buchanan Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Initiative is the culmination of several years of community engagement focused on investing in and preserving our central business district,” said Weedon.

“The new streetscape and public amenities will create space for community engagement with functional improvements that beautify the space and provide opportunities for flexibility of community and business use.”

The RAP program is designed to provide access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements.

“Today’s grants underscore our commitment to the state’s Make It in Michigan economic development strategy, supporting the People, Places, and Projects that are integral to the growth of Michigan’s economy,” said Gov. Whitmer.

“These investments will help create vibrant places that attract and retain talent, add critical housing, enable business creation and attraction, and provide resources for Michiganders and our communities. I will work with anyone and do anything to continue getting things done for our state.”

According to the state, eligible applicants for the RAP funding were individuals or entities working to rehabilitate vacant, underutilized, blighted and historic structures and the development of permanent place-based infrastructure associated with traditional downtowns, social-zones, outdoor dining and placed-based public spaces.

“The MEDC is proud to celebrate the places that make our state great and excited to see the impact these RAP grants have on our communities,” said MEDC Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman.

“Thanks to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature’s support for this program, the revitalization and placemaking efforts in communities across our two peninsulas will create meaningful opportunity for every Michigander who calls our state home.”