LANSING – In a move that will help jumpstart Michigan's economy and protect thousands of jobs, State Representative Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit) today announced that she will introduce an alternative plan to resolve the debate over the expansion and modernization of Detroit's Cobo Hall on Thursday. The new plan will reinforce the laws that passed through the Legislature in December, but will create a leasing option for the facility.
"Cobo Hall is a vital part of Michigan's economy," Jackson said. "Tens of thousands of visitors, tourists and business travelers walk through its doors every year, which pumps hundreds of millions of dollars into our economy. We must ensure that Cobo Hall and the auto show remain a Michigan trademark so that we can protect those important dollars, attract new investments to Detroit and spur economic development throughout the state."
Thousands of visitors come to Cobo Hall each year from across Michigan and the country, many to visit the North American International Auto Show, one of Michigan's signature events. In addition to being responsible for over 16,000 jobs, it is estimated that Cobo brings $600 million in revenue annually to Southeast Michigan's economy.
The House passed a $300 million expansion package for Cobo Hall on the last day of the 94th Legislature that transferred control of the facility to a regional authority of Metro Detroit. Jackson's plan proposes an alternative 30-year lease option for the property instead of transferring total ownership. The lease agreement must be approved by the Mayor of Detroit and the Detroit City Council.
Jackson's plan also would ask the controlling authority to make a "good faith effort" to employ residents of the city that houses the convention center if the unemployment rate is 25 percent higher than the state average.
"With all the residents in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan that rely Cobo Hall for employment, we can't afford to let it deteriorate and become obsolete," Jackson said. "Our city and state are already struggling with a shockingly high unemployment rate and we need to help get our residents working again. This plan will help provide jobs for the workers in our region that need them the most."