This EDA award to the midwest energy cooperative will help the region prepare for the impending closure of the palisades nuclear power plant

The Economic Development Administration awarded a $11,968,863 Project Grant to the Midwest Energy Cooperative on September 29, 2021 under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program (CFDA 11.307). The funding will support construction of the new 234-acre Southwest Michigan Advanced Research and Technology Park in Cassopolis, Michigan. Known as the SMART Park, this sustainably designed facility will include access to rail infrastructure and target advanced manufacturers in key energy sectors such as solar, fiber optics, and data hosting. The SMART Park aims to provide a new economic resource and transition assistance for the region's workforce as the major regional employer, the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, closes in the near future. Skilled energy industry workers displaced by the closure will have new opportunities at this EDA-funded facility.

With funding via EDA's nuclear closure communities program, the midwest energy cooperative will construct the new southwest michigan advanced research and technology park (smart park). The new 234-acre sustainably-designed smart park will include access to rail infrastructure and will be marketed to advanced manufacturers in important energy-related sectors such as solar, fiber optics, and data-hosting. The EDA-funded park will provide a new resource to transition the region's economy when a major regional employer, palisades nuclear power plant, closes in the near future. Skilled energy industry workers displaced by the closure will be able to access new opportunities at this smart park.