Sturgis and Dowagiac awarded grants

The city of Sturgis and a Cass County municipality have been awarded a share of a $3.6 million grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
The Lansing-based agency announced a $48,800 grant to Sturgis. The city plans to demolish four properties in neighborhoods within walking distance of the central business district, public services, parks, schools and other amenities.
Meanwhile, the city of Dowagiac will realize $84,000 through a grant awarded to the Cass County Land Bank Authority. Dowagiac officials plan to remove four vacant, blighted homes that are structurally compromised, pose a risk to public safety and have been deemed unsafe for human occupancy.
In all, 19 Michigan communities received funding from the authority, which fielded 36 requests for aid.