8/10/06-Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a bill into law intended to expand to 10 the number of the state’s renaissance zones – areas targeted for economic development – to cover the manufacturing of alternative fuels.
Under the new law, previously HB5752, a renaissance zone could only be created with the consent of the appropriate city, village, or township, or a combination, and the county in which the facility is located. The zones would be designated by the State Administrative Board on the recommendation of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.
A renewable energy facility would be defined as a system that creates energy from a process using residues from agricultural products, forest production, paper products industries, and food production and processing; trees and grasses grown specifically to be used as energy crops; and gaseous fuels produced from solid biomass, animal wastes, municipal wastes, or landfills.

6/23/06-The House unanimously approved an amended bill June 21 that would expand the state’s renaissance zones – areas targeted for economic development – to cover the manufacturing of alternative fuels.
Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bangor Township, HB5752 has been sent back to the Senate for final approval before heading to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
The bill would allow for the designation of up to 10 additional renaissance zones, specifically for renewable energy facilities. A renaissance zone could only be created with the consent of the appropriate city, village, or township, or a combination, and the county in which the facility is located. The zones would be designated by the State Administrative Board on the recommendation of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.
A renewable energy facility would be defined as a system that creates energy from a process using residues from agricultural products, forest production, paper products industries, and food production and processing; trees and grasses grown specifically to be used as energy crops; and gaseous fuels produced from solid biomass, animal wastes, municipal wastes, or landfills.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.

3/2/06-The House has approved a bill that would expand the state’s renaissance zones – areas targeted for economic development – to cover the manufacturing of alternative fuels.
Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bangor Township, HB5752 would allow for the designation of up to 10 additional renaissance zones, specifically for renewable energy facilities. A renaissance zone could only be created with the consent of the appropriate city, village, or township, or a combination, and the county in which the facility is located. The zones would be designated by the State Administrative Board on the recommendation of the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.
A renewable energy facility would be defined as a system that creates energy from a process using residues from agricultural products, forest production, paper products industries, and food production and processing; trees and grasses grown specifically to be used as energy crops; and gaseous fuels produced from solid biomass, animal wastes, municipal wastes, or landfills.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.