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Michigan grant to help turn old bomber plant into driverless car test site

Posted at 8:38 AM, Mar 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-23 08:38:34-04

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A defunct General Motors plant in Ypsilanti Township that once pumped out bombers is on the road to becoming an autonomous car testing facility.

A state board has approved a nearly $3 million initial grant for the American Center for Mobility. Eric Shreffler of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. says that’s for initial legal work relating to the old GM plant’s environmental history and other consulting before acquiring the property.

The Willow Run plant used to churn out bombers during WWII. The Michigan Strategic Fund board approved the first grant Tuesday, before the center returns to request another $17 million in state aid for the project.

The group seeks $79 million total for the project, which would include federal funds. Shreffler says some private investors are interested.