State funding cuts halt building repair
Budget cuts in Lansing have already affected some critical work projects in the area, according to State Sen. Dayna Polhanki (D-Livonia) who represents the City of Inkster as part of her district.
Polehanki criticized the $645 million in previously approved spending, noting that several local projects have now been stopped midstream, including the Dozier Community Center in Inkster. She said staff members at the facility arrived last week to find damages caused by a leaking roof at the building.
“The state funding was meant to help repair that roof and prevent further deterioration. Construction was scheduled to begin on Dec.15 but was halted following the House GOP committee vote. Each day the repair is delayed increases the risk of mold, structural damage, and service disruptions for residents who rely on the center,” Polehanki said in a prepared statement. She added that the building, among other projects in her district, is now facing exposure to the elements, accelerating deterioration, and driving up future repair costs
“Michigan House Republicans consider the repairing of Inkster’s Community Center roof to be ‘waste,’ ‘fraud,’ or ‘abuse,’ so they callously clawed back the state funding I worked to deliver to make these critical repairs and weatherproof their leaky roof,” said Polehanki. “The new roof installation was slated to begin on Monday, but because House Republicans unilaterally slashed this bipartisan, already agreed-upon funding, the project has been halted. As a result, the community center has suffered catastrophic damage after last night’s heavy rainfall. Our community is devastated, and I am furious that my constituents are caught in the direct crossfire of Matt Hall’s reckless, unconscionable actions.”
As the Legislature has adjourned for the holiday, there was no comment from Hall or the Republican press office.
