Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Project Ready Sites

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has launched the Michigan Project Ready Sites Program (MPRSP) to create an inventory of "premium" sites of 200 acres or more that are available and ready for immediate development of industrial, warehouse or hi-tech types of use (sites zoned or planned for residential, retail or commercial development are not eligible for participation in this program).

Qualifying sites will be awarded a "Project Ready designation" after verification of a complete package of due diligence information showing the sites are ready to go. (Please read through the MPRSP Program Information document for precise program details.)

Benefits to companies making site location decisions

Project Ready sites will play an important role by helping companies interested in locating in Michigan identify sites that have a complete package of due diligence information that demonstrates that they can be developed in an expeditious manner.

Prospects will be attracted to these sites as they:

  • Have lower development risks and greater predictability
  • Save approximately 6 months in investigatory time
  • Save thousands of dollars in due diligence studies
  • Meet today’s criteria of speed to market

Eligible participants

Eligible applicants are limited to political subdivisions, non-profit economic development organizations, industrial development agencies, chambers of commerce, real estate developers, property owners and other businesses engaged in economic and real estate development.

Benefits to program participants

The Project Ready Sites designation will enhance the marketing of your premium site(s) and get your site(s) on a prospect's short list.

Determination of Project Ready Site designation

Information submitted by applicants will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of representatives of the MEDC and other state departments, as well as an independent engineering consultant who will verify that the site is project ready. (The independent engineering company will identify shortfalls with sites that do not qualify and if you can correct these shortfalls, you can re-submit an application for the designation.)

Advance work required for the designation includes:

  • appropriate zoning
  • demonstrated community support
  • surveys
  • title work
  • environmental studies
  • wetland studies
  • geotechnical studies
  • transportation reports
  • infrastructure plans showing availability at the site within 180 days

(Please refer to the MPRSP Program Information and Self-Evaluation Checklist of MPRSP Requirements documents for more detail.)

Assistance available to program participants

To encourage the development of Project Ready designated sites in Michigan, the MEDC has also established a related program, the Project Ready Sites Due Diligence Cost Reimbursement Program (DDCRP), to reimburse a portion of the costs of the due diligence on designated sites chosen as having the best potential for large scale development. To support the development of a Michigan MegaSite, there is also cost reimbursement opportunities for one Project Ready designated site per year over 1,000 acres.

DDCRP competitive program includes:

  • Reimbursement of up to $100,000 or 50% (whichever is less) of the costs of developing the MPRSP due diligence information for sites of 200 acres or more that are selected as having the best potential for development.
  • Reimbursement of up to $500,000 or 50% (whichever is less) of the study cost is available for one designated site of 1,000 acres or more
  • Applications are due by either February 1st or July 1st
  • $1.5 million is available for the program in 2010

How to apply for the MPRSP and DDCRP programs

All of the requirements and deadlines associated with the MPRSP and DDCRP programs are contained in the documents offered in the "Support Documents Available for Download" box located in the upper right section of this Web page.

**SPECIAL NOTE: Applicants must have received the Project Ready Sites designation on the submitted site to be considered for the DDCRP. However, to expedite the application processes, applications for both the MPRSP and DDCRP programs can be submitted at the same time.

Questions

Please contact us if you have questions about this new program.