St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

With 18 COVID-19 confirmed to be present in Berrien County, local leaders are making a number of adjustments to operations.

According to State Senator Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township), state officials confirmed the first two cases of COVID-19 in Berrien County on March 21.

“While this is alarming, I caution residents not to panic,” LaSata said. “By following the recommendations of our health care professionals and elected leaders to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently and stay home, we can all help slow the spread of this virus.”

Prior to the confirmed cases, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had made a number of budget cuts in order to aid with state and local efforts that she anticipated would be needed because of the virus. These changes were made through Senate Bill 151.

“This is important legislation that restores the budgets of many programs that began the year without necessary funding,” LaSata said, according to MiSenateGOP. “It also provides support for emerging needs, like our efforts to mitigate coastal erosion and to combat coronavirus.”

Among the programs in the legislation is the High Water Infrastructure Repair program, which will receive $5 million to fix high water and shoreline erosion issues. Seven-hundred-fifty thousand dollars was set aside for improvements to the Langley Covered Bridge, which has been part of the community since 1887. 

Fifteen million dollars is being directed to the Going PRO talent fund for the training of new hires and reward of employees for helping in their training and development. Sixteen million dollars will be directed to the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, and $25 million will be directed to the coronavirus fight. 

“I am hopeful that the governor will sign this funding bill quickly,” LaSata said. “With these cuts restored, I also hope we will be able to move on with the state’s next budget, avoid the drama from last year, and approve a spending plan that is balanced and on time," she told MiSenateGOP.