Four Michigan mayors ask for federal help

DETROIT, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Four Michigan mayors have asked for a share of federal funds meant for automakers, comparing closed factories to the effects of a natural disaster.

The mayors of Warren, Sterling Heights, Livonia and Dearborn met with representatives of development programs and Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office, and have called for access to a portion of the $25 billion loan program designed to help automakers revamp factories to produce vehicles with greater fuel-efficiency.

The mayors asked for funds amounting to 20 percent of the value of the shuttered factories within their borders, which they estimate would total one-half of one percent of the $25 billion set aside for U.S. automakers, the Detroit News reported Tuesday.

"This isn't a natural disaster, but it's potentially a financial disaster and an economic tsunami," said Warren Mayor James Fouts said.

"If Congress can give cities financial aid for natural disasters, then they should be able to

give us some aid for an economic disaster," he said.

Shawn Morgan, a spokeswoman for Chrysler, said would not comment specifically on the proposal, but said, "we encourage those actions that bring stability to the economy."