The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE) is in year two of a study to determine whether the Saginaw River and Bay (17 miles) is appropriate for economic growth if transformed into a deep water port. With the history of shipping on the Saginaw River, the USACOE believes that the Saginaw River is an excellent location for shipping.
To qualify as a deep water port, the river would need to be deepened. The study is looking at depths of between 22' - 27' and will review what challenges the various depths would pose (cost, contaminants, economic development opportunities, etc.)
The Saginaw County Government is a partner in this effort and is required to match federal funding for the study. Last year, we successfully obtained the matching money ($260,000) through the efforts of Senator Roger Kahn.
Along with Saginaw County Government, the Chamber worked with Saginaw Future, USACOE, and dock owners in Saginaw and Bay Counties on this project.
The Saginaw River Deepening Feasibility Study has increased in cost, due mostly to the need to capture more data. We have determined that we will need an additional $500,000 total ($250,000 from Saginaw).
We are working with Senator Ken Horn, who was able to get $50,000 in the current appropriations budget, and will continue working with his office to get the remaining $200,000 in the Fall Legislative Session.
Delta College Downtown Saginaw Campus
The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and Saginaw Future Inc. continue to work with Delta College as it plans for a downtown Saginaw campus.
The plan is to build a 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility that will provide the flexibility to teach general education, skilled trades, healthcare and classes offering an entry point to career options. It will include high-level technology, special use training rooms, 8 to 10 classrooms and basic science and computer labs, strengthening Delta's ability to deliver the highest caliber of college education and work force training.
Delta College's application to the Capital Outlay Committee was ranked in the top 2-3 applications for funding. One of the application's strengths was Delta College's fiscal health.
The total project cost is $12.7 million. Delta was required to match the cost 50%; its share totaling $6.4 million.
The Delta College Project was included in the Joint Capital Outlay Committee and the construction authorization was included in the overall budget that passed in June. This means that the project can move ahead.
It is anticipated that the site for the Delta College Downtown Saginaw Campus will be announced after Delta College's Board of Trustees meets this fall.
The Chamber worked to bring leading legislators on tours of the Delta College Campus and showed them many potential sites. In addition, the Chamber worked with the legislators to answer their questions and to show the positive impact that the new campus will have on training residents from throughout the region for the job market.
FirstMerit Bank Event Park
Quality of life assets are one of the most important things a community can offer residents in and around the Great Lakes Bay Region, and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce continues to partner with The Dow Event Center and the FirstMerit Bank Event Park staff to assist in improving the venues we have in Saginaw County.
The FirstMerit Bank Event Park is a first-class outdoor venue, built in 2013. It has attracted national events and continues to provide family entertainment to this region and beyond. Festival and concert attendees have come from virtually every county in Michigan. This facility has exceeded all expectations.
In order to accommodate national acts, some improvements are needed to enhance the performer's and the attendee's experience.
The FirstMerit Bank Event Park staff have applied for a grant in the amount of $82,500 as their portion of a 50/50 match in order to improve the amenities at the park. The funds would allow the facility to construct more public restrooms, a third dressing room, as well as a 24' x 40' platform for corporate sponsors. This platform will help increase revenue to attract even larger acts.
The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce has helped gather letters of support for the grant and are working with the regional legislative delegation to support the grant request.
The Chamber is optimistic that we can help secure the funding needed for this great community venue. 
