MEDC Takes Over Renewable Energy Promotion

By executive order, Gov. Rick Snyder has stripped what was the state Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth of most of its energy and labor functions. leaving behind a smaller Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The state Energy Office and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Revolving Loan Fund have been transferred to the Michigan Strategic Fund, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Also moved to the MEDC are the state's Workforce Transformation office and the state Prevailing Wages on State Projects Act functions.

Moving to the MEDC from the Treasury Department are the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the state Land Bank Fast Track  Authority.

MEDC CEO Mike Finney called the move a logical approach to consolidating economic development programs under one roof. The MSF was created by state law in 1984 and has broad authority to promote economic development and create jobs.

"We have a real opportunity to refocus our economic development activities, streamline services and better coordinate economic, work force and community development functions," Finney said. "This reorganization will allow the MEDC to offer better customer service to Michigan businesses and help us foster economic development without having to cut through layers of red tape first."

More at www.MichiganAdvantage.org.