Two Percent Monies Disbursed

Scott Csernyik

12/12/1999 12:00:00 AM

Almost $4 million-the largest amount to date- has been allocated to local entities through the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's semiannual 2 percent disbursement process.

Isabella County garnered $2 million in support, including a $308,624 chunk to the Commission on Aging for 13 individual projects. Area schools also received major support during the disbursement, getting the nod for $552,521.36 in projects.

Over 300 applications were submitted to the Tribal Council for review during the latest payment process.

"I didn't realize we had this many people requesting 2 percent funds," stated Tribal Council Treasurer Maynard Kahgegab Jr. "I'm glad to see the Tribe be able to decide where this money is going. It makes a significant impact on the surrounding communities. Everybody benefits from the 2 percent process."

These 2 percent funds help the community replace revenues expended to address the growth related to the presence of a thriving Tribe employing about 4,000 and attracting up to 10,000 visitors per day to the area.

Since 1994, the Tribe has contributed about $28.5 million as part of the disbursement process. In accordance with its 1993 gaming compact with the state, the Tribe distributes 2 percent of its Class III gaming revenues with local governments.

Past disbursements have increased police and fire protection, installed sidewalks and streetlights, improved roads and made way for drainage improvments. Looking beyond infrastructure needs, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal leaders have also focused on the ways the disbursment funds can make a positive impact on the lives of area residents.

Some of the funded projects included:

-$250,000 to Isabella County for a day treatment facility. According to the county's application, the program is designed for male and female youth, ages 11-17 who are not being successful in the traditional or alternative school setting. The purpose of the program is to provide intensive, community-based life changing experiences, treatment and education, for referred youth and their families.

-$205,000 for a secured court facility. Isabella County has already began construction to expand the jail, which includes a 46,600-square foot secured court facility. The intent is to house the courts in a secured facility and administrative deparmtents in a non-secured building.

-$150,000 for Mt. Pleasant officials to develop a skateboard/roller sports facility.

-$22,000 to Shepherd for improvements to the village's park.

-$40,000 for Union Township to acquire land for the expansion of Jameson Park to the North.

-$75,000 for Mt. Pleasant Public Schools to equip the Communications Career Academy Technical Center.

-$300,000 for the development of a river walk trail in Mt. Pleasant.