Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) has announced the allocation of $126.6 million in federal funding for five projects in mid-Michigan. The funding is part of a package of appropriations bills (H.R. 6938) that President Donald Trump signed into law.
The legislation included three separate appropriations bills: Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water; and Interior. Funding secured by Barrett will support a youth mentoring program in Lansing, security upgrades at the East Lansing Police Department, improvements to cybersecurity and building security for Eaton County government, and two projects related to construction and nuclear physics research at Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams.
“Bringing your tax dollars back home to our communities continues to be a top priority for me in Congress,” said Barrett. “I am proud of this $126 million in funding I fought for and secured that will improve public safety, support young people who need a helping hand, and accelerate cutting-edge nuclear physics research happening right here in mid-Michigan. I’m excited to see this money put to good use making our region a better place.”
Of the total amount, $750,000 will go toward the United Mentoring Program in Greater Lansing. This nonprofit connects middle and high school students with mentors, provides academic tutoring, teaches life skills, encourages community service participation, and offers career guidance. The program aims to reduce community violence and help young people succeed.
“Investing in our youth is one of the most effective ways to reduce crime, build resilience, and create safer neighborhoods for families and communities,” said Pastor Tracy Edmond, founder and president of the United Mentoring Program. “We are deeply honored and grateful for this funding, which will allow the United Mentoring Program to reach more youth with consistent guidance, encouragement, and positive role models. We extend our sincere thanks to Congressman Tom Barrett for his strong commitment to our youth in the Greater Lansing Area and for his leadership in advocating for resources that prioritize prevention, opportunity, and community safety.”
East Lansing Police Department will receive $472,000 for security infrastructure upgrades including new security cameras as well as installation of weapons detection systems and keycard access readers.
Eaton County government is set to receive $414,351 to upgrade physical security at its courthouse-administrative building by replacing outdated camera systems with a uniform system. The project also includes adding security tinting at entrances, installing an emergency lock system, erecting vehicle barriers around parking areas, as well as evaluating cybersecurity safeguards.
“This funding allows Eaton County to make critical improvements to both physical and cybersecurity systems in a way that is strategic and fiscally responsible,” said Eaton County Controller/Administrator Connie Sobie. “We appreciate our representatives at the federal government for recognizing the security needs facing local governments.”
Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams will receive $125 million from this package—$15 million designated for continued construction of its High Rigidity Spectrometer aimed at advancing nuclear physics research capabilities. An additional $110 million will fund operations support along with energy upgrades at the facility. These investments are expected to benefit faculty members as well as students conducting advanced research relevant across national security, energy production sectors, medicine development efforts among other fields.
This recent round of federal support builds on previous allocations secured by Barrett last fall totaling $4.1 million earmarked for a Putnam Township fire truck purchase along with improvements made possible within Livingston County’s 911 Central Dispatch computer system plus repairs carried out on Michigan State greenhouse facilities.
