Barrett Delivers Another $126.6 Million for Mid-Michigan Communities

Washington, D.C. -Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) today announced he secured another $126.6 million in federal funding for five mid-Michigan projects as part of the package of appropriations bills (H.R. 6938) President Donald Trump signed into law today.

H.R. 6938 included three appropriations bills: Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water; and Interior. In these bills was funding Barrett fought for and secured for a youth mentoring program in Lansing, building security upgrades at the East Lansing Police Department, improvements to cybersecurity and building security for the Eaton County government, as well as two projects to support construction and nuclear physics research at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.

"Bringing your tax dollars back home to our communities continues to be a top priority for me in Congress," said Barrett."I am proud of this $126 million in funding I fought for and secured that will improve public safety, support young people who need a helping hand, and accelerate cutting-edge nuclear physics research happening right here in mid-Michigan. I'm excited to see this money put to good use making our region a better place."

This $126.6 million in funding builds on the $4.1 million Barrett secured last fallfor a Putnam Township fire truck, a Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch computer system, and Michigan State greenhouse repairs. Details about the new $126.6 million for mid-Michigan are below:

$750,000 - Youth Mentoring Program in Greater Lansing
This funding will support young people through the United Mentoring Program, a local nonprofit that connects middle and high school students in Lansing and nearby communities with mentors. The program not only provides the teens with positive role models, but it also offers academic tutoring, teaches them life skills, gets them involved in community service, and helps them chart their career paths. The program is designed to reduce community violence and help put young people on the path to success.

"Investing in our youth is one of the most effective ways to reduce crime, build resilience, and create safer neighborhoods for families and communities," said Pastor Tracy Edmond, founder and president of the United Mentoring Program."We are deeply honored and grateful for this funding, which will allow the United Mentoring Program to reach more youth with consistent guidance, encouragement, and positive role models. We extend our sincere thanks to Congressman Tom Barrett for his strong commitment to our youth in the Greater Lansing Area and for his leadership in advocating for resources that prioritize prevention, opportunity, and community safety."

$472,000 - Security Infrastructure Upgrades for East Lansing
This funding for the East Lansing Police Department will protect East Lansing residents, city employees, and law enforcement officers by supporting much-needed security enhancements at city buildings. The funds will help replace security cameras and install a weapons detection system and keycard access readers.

$414,351 - Security Infrastructure Upgrades for Eaton County
This funding will protect the safety and privacy of Eaton County residents by supporting upgrades to physical and computer security infrastructure for the Eaton County government. At the combined courthouse and administrative building, the funding will help replace outdated security camera systems with a uniform system, add a security tint to public entrances, install an emergency lock system, and erect vehicle barriers along the road and parking lot. The investment will also help evaluate the county's cybersecurity safeguards to protect sensitive data and prevent malicious breaches. The federal investment will help make critical security upgrades while ensuring the county can devote its local resources to essential services, including the sheriff's deputies who keep the streets safe.

"This funding allows Eaton County to make critical improvements to both physical and cybersecurity systems in a way that is strategic and fiscally responsible," said Eaton County Controller/Administrator Connie Sobie."We appreciate our representatives at the federal government for recognizing the security needs facing local governments."

$125 million - Nuclear Physics Research and Construction at Michigan State University
This funding will support two initiatives at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a nuclear physics research facility for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. MSU will receive $15 million to continue construction of its High Rigidity Spectrometer, which will greatly improve the facility's nuclear physics research capabilities. The university will also receive $110 million for optimal operations and energy upgrades at the facility. The investment will support professors, other scientists, and students conducting advanced nuclear science research with applications for national security, energy, medicine, industry, and more.

"I am grateful to Representative Tom Barrett and the entire Michigan Congressional delegation for their strong and continued support of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University," said Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz."Their advocacy for sustained operations funding and strategic investments is critical to FRIB's ability to advance discovery, drive innovation, and educate the next generation of scientific leaders. This support not only strengthens Michigan's research ecosystem, but also reinforces America's leadership and competitiveness in nuclear science."