ALPENA — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday that Rogers City was awarded grant money to develop its downtown.

Kaelie Fessler, executive director of Rogers City DDA, told The News that Rogers City was awarded $15,000 to create a community space between two buildings.

Rogers City is one of nine communities that was awarded grants to support downtown enhancement as part of the ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy, according to a Michigan Executive Office of the Governor press release on Wednesday.

In total, $130,250 in grants have been awarded as part of that program.

The press release states that the ‘Make It in Michigan’ strategy aims to develop attractive places across the state.

“We are both thrilled and grateful to receive a Vibrancy Grant through Michigan Main Street,” Fessler said in the press release. “This grant will help us turn an empty downtown space into a welcoming new spot for the community. Our local welding school will be creating artistically designed steel tables and seating for the area. Along with a new native plant garden and planters, this will become a beautiful and useful space for everyone. We are excited for this project to encourage more foot traffic and create a great new place for people to gather in our downtown.”

According to the press release, the Main Street Vibrancy Grant Program provides grants of up to $15,000 to Michigan Main Street communities for projects that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown areas. Projects could include pop-up shop programs, marketing or advertising, physical improvements, seasonal infrastructure, signage, art, and others.

“Michigan’s future depends on creating vibrant, welcoming places where people want to build their lives,” Whitmer said in the press release. “With today’s investments in nine main streets across the state, we are building up our downtowns to drive local pride, support small businesses, and create more exciting spaces for people to live, work, visit, and play. These Main Street Vibrancy grants will strengthen our communities and help us build a Michigan where everyone can thrive. Together, let’s keep helping more individuals, families, and small businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Michelle Parkkonen, Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) managing director of technical assistance programs, stated in the press release that the grants support projects to enhance communities.

“On behalf of the MEDC, we’re pleased to support these nine Main Street communities, who all exemplify a commitment to enhancing the sense of place and adding vibrancy to their downtowns,” Parkkonen said in the press release.

Other communities receiving Main Street Vibrancy grants include Grand Haven, Lapeer, Old Town (Lansing), Coldwater, Three Rivers, Blissfield, Saline, and North End (Detroit).

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.