Michigan officials this week may consider a request to use taxpayer money to help bring more trash into the state.
Texas-based Waste Management Inc. has asked the Michigan Strategic Fund for $68 million in tax-exempt bonds to improve or expand 13 landfills, including the state's busiest, Pine Tree Acres in Macomb County's Lenox Township.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0504/07/C01-141355.htm
UPDATE: If this House Dem news release is true, somebody did just say no.
LANSING – House Democrats today hailed two victories in the fight against imported garbage: the withdrawal of a request from the nation's largest trash conglomerate for $68 million in tax-exempt state bonds, which it wanted to use to expand landfills in Michigan; and changes in how those bonds are allocated that now disqualify landfill expansion projects.
Waste Management Inc.'s request for the Industrial Development Revenue Bonds had been included on the agenda of the Michigan Strategic Fund board meeting to discuss development projects today. The meeting was to focus on development projects in the state. WMI withdrew its request today.
"Our public resources are already stretched thin and they should be used for development projects that will create jobs in Michigan, strengthen our economy and improve our residents' lives," House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga) said.
Also, the MSF announced changes in what projects get priority for low-interest, tax-free bonds meant to encourage economic development. One key change: Disqualifying companies from landfill projects.