Tribe distributes about $4 million in 2 percent funds

Scott Csernyik

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

About $4 million was allocated to local governments, area schools and municipalities on behalf of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan during the latest 2 percent disbursement.

Of that amount officially distributed on Nov. 30 at the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture& Lifeways, $1.5 million went to Isabella County, while $847,000 was given to Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. The city of Mt. Pleasant received $434,000 and the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team $457,476.

Since 1994, the Tribe has distributed about $67 million as part of the 2 percent process. In accordance with its consent agreement with the state, the Tribe distributes 2 percent of its Class III gaming revenues on a semi-annual basis. A total of 529 applications were submitted, with 256 gaining approval. The brunt of the approved projects-222-were for area schools.

Other allocations made include: Village of Shepherd, $49,000; Chippewa Township, $60,791.72; Denver Township, $62,601.98; Deerfield, Isabella, Nottawa and Wise townships, $55,301.99 each; Shepherd Public Schools, $283,499; Beal City Public Schools, $51,400 and Isabella/Gratiot RESD and Special Education, $14,344.66.

About a third of the allocation made to Isabella County-$442,586-was earmarked for the Commission on Aging.

In her application, Executive Director Brenda Upton stated the funding that has been provided to the Commission on Aging in the past "has proven to be vital to the well-being of our clients and the survival of our agency."

"Continuing use of 2 percent disbursements to support programming at the Commission on Aging remains one of this county's highest priorities," according to a statement of Isabella County Board of Commissioners letterhead that was submitted as part of the application. "The presence of these resources over the years has meant that Isabella County's Commission on Aging has been able to provide critical services to our senior citizens. The Tribal Council's unwavering support of these programs has always reflected that Tribe's commitment to honor and support the most senior members of this community."

A major chunk of the funding for Mt. Pleasant was tagged for Bradley Street reconstruction. This is considered phase two of the project and the $200,000 funding will join $280,000 invested by the city and Michigan Department of Transportation.

"This project is the reconstruction of Bradley Street from Broadway to High streets," according to the application from City Engineer Duane Ellis. "This project would totally reconstruct the pavement cross section with new sub-base, base, pavement, curb and gutter, as well as drainage. It would greatly improve the capability of the street to safely move traffic."

The city also received $100,000 for the PEAK summer and after-school development fund. The program was established in Mt. Pleasant through a three-year U.S. Department of Education grant to provide quality after school and summer programs for area youth. According to the application, over 600 area kids and their families benefit from the program. Federal grant funding for the PEAK program will end May 31, 2005.