State Representative Ranjeev Puri and Senator Dayna Polhanki Secure Millions in Funding for Canton

State Representative Ranjeev Puri and Senator Dayna Polhanki Secure Millions in Funding for Canton Projects

(Canton, MI - September 10, 2024) Thanks to the efforts of State Representative Ranjeev Puri and State Senator Dayna Polehanki, Canton is receiving nearly $7 million in grant funds that will go toward three very important projects in the community.

"I'm thrilled that State Rep. Ranjeev Puri and State Sen. Dayna Polehanki secured funding for these important community projects enhancing pedestrian safety, providing greater activity and programming space for seniors, and protecting abused and neglected children in Canton," said Supervisor Anne Marie Graham Hudak. "The Palmer Road pedestrian bridge will improve a treacherous path over I-275 traversed by hundreds of Canton residents each week. The new Canton Senior Center in the Summit will greatly expand activity and programming space for seniors. And finally, renovating the Sheldon Brick School to house Kids Talk will serve abused and neglected children in all of Western Wayne County by giving them a safe space to be interviewed and hold perpetrators accountable. This project also returns this historic building to its original mission in Canton - serving children and their families."

Pedestrian Bridge over I-275--Award: $3,250,000

In an effort to make roadways safe and welcoming for pedestrians and other non-vehicle users of the road, State Representative Ranjeev Puri secured this grant money that will be used to construct a pedestrian bridge on Palmer Road over I-275 for walkers and bikers. This treacherous path along Palmer Road is traversed by many residents attending the Muslim Community of the Western Suburbs (MCWS) of Detroit schools and activities east of the I-275 overpass, trying to make their way to the Medina Activity Center (MAC) on the west side of the overpass. This pedestrian bridge will serve all walkers and bikers alike passing over I-275 at Palmer Road.

Summit Renovation project--Award: $2,500,000

State Representative Ranjeev Puri secured this grant money that will be used to renovate approximately 10,600 square feet of space in the Summit on the Park in order to expand activity space for Club 55+, Canton's senior program, and make additional facility enhancements. Currently, Club 55+ operates in approximately 1,500 square feet. The expanded activity space and facility improvements will give seniors and other members of the community a place to enjoy billiards, shuffleboard, additional exercise classes, card games, cooking classes and expanded services and amenities.

"This budget cycle I worked diligently to bring home dollars directly to Canton," said Puri. "I am so proud to have secured $5.75M for Canton Township to improve pedestrian pathways for bikers and walkers, and for Summit renovations. These are huge wins for our community - the funds will be felt directly right here at home and make a meaningful, lasting impact for our residents."

Renovation of the Sheldon School to house Kids-TALK, a child welfare program, in Western Wayne County--Award: $1,000,000

Senator Dayna Polehanki secured this grant money that will be used to establish a Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center in Canton's Sheldon School on Michigan Avenue. This center will focus on the safety, social and emotional health, and stability of children and families throughout the region. The building's location is convenient for children and families living in all of western Wayne County, and is also close to Canton's new Youth Center, where Growth Works, Inc. will be located in the future.

"KIDS-Talk is an invaluable resource for children and families in our region who have been impacted by abuse, and I'm proud to have secured $1 million in this year's state budget to help facilitate the establishment of a new Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center in Canton that will help their organization better serve those in need," said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). "I'm confident this transformative investment will make a tangible difference for our local residents, and I'll continue fighting hard to deliver progress for the health, safety, and stability of families in our community."

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