$7 Million Allocation from the State of Michigan for the Senior Center
The City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County are thrilled to announce that the State of Michigan has allocated $7 Million in their budget to the Senior Center.
"The Senior Center is a gem in our community and these funds provide sustainability for a new Senior Center building and operational programming. Providing opportunities for seniors to connect with one another and build relationships serves as a foundation to this community. We are grateful for these appropriated funds and look forward to a bright future at the Senior Center," says Traverse City Mayor Lewis.
“Grand Traverse County is excited about our partnership with the City of Traverse City to build and launch the long overdue downtown senior center. Securing state funding has been yet another bi-partisan initiative involving the several County Commissioners, Mayor Lewis, Senator Wayne Schmidt, Representatives John Roth, Jack O'Malley, and Governor Whitmer. We've stayed the course and diligently searched out funding solutions for this much needed project and it is extremely satisfying to see these efforts paying off,” stated Rob Hentschel, Grand Traverse County Commission Chairperson.
County Administrator, Nate Alger added, “I was ecstatic to hear the news that there is a state appropriation for the Traverse City location of the Senior Center Network this morning. It is great to know that we will be moving forward on a new downtown Senior Center that this community deserves.”
In 2018, the City and County formed an Ad Hoc Committee to determine future reconstruction of the Senior Center. The partners engaged local firm, Environment Architects, for professional services for design and construction of a new Senior Center. In 2020, the project was estimated to cost $5.6 Million. In 2022, an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to discuss the future of the Senior Center and explore funding options. Discussions related to a local millage, capital campaigns, and grant funding. Discussions for a higher millage request on the November 8, 2022 ballot have been explored for bond payments and the operation costs for the Senior Center Network.
Senator Wayne Schmidt commented on the budget, “State revenues have been positive, and we’re focused on using this money to make government work better for all Michiganders. This budget builds on years of commitment to K-12 education, transportation and infrastructure repairs and growing our economy — while supporting efforts to improve our state for all ages and for generations to come,” Schmidt added, “This was a strong partnership between the City and County. I appreciate their willingness to work with me to see this project to fruition and serve our community at for generations to come at the Senior Center.”
“We are thrilled about this allocation and want to thank all of those involved, including the Friends fo the Senior Center and their diligent work through the years. We look forward to this new facility to serve the growing senior population in the Grand Traverse region, says City Manager Marty Colburn.
The Senior Center is located on City parkland at 801 East Front Street on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. In 2011, the City and County signed an intergovernmental agreement for Senior Center Management. Since then, the Grand Traverse County’s Senior Center Network has managed day to day operations and programming at the Senior Center. Most recently, Grand Traverse County conducted a community wide survey for the use of $18.2 Million in ARPA funds. The number one critical infrastructure need identified was the Senior Center.