DETROIT, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The federal government will play a key roll in the recovery of Detroit's economy, Obama administration officials said.
The administration unveiled its plan Friday for a partnership between the federal government and local and state officials to help Detroit recover, The Detroit News reported.
"We just have one goal: To have all of Detroit working together for one Detroit with the Obama administration as a key partner every step along the way to support the vision, strategy and priorities of the people of Detroit," said White House National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling. "We do not think of it as our job to devise the priorities or the strategy for Detroit. Our job is to listen to all sectors of Detroit."
Government officials will be working with businesses and philanthropies to put more than $300 million in new and repurposed grants to use in the bankrupt city, Sperling said.
"We don't expect this to be easy, but we expect this to be successful," Sperling said. "There's a lot of passion in the Obama administration for Detroit."
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing praised the administration for its effort in helping the city, the Detroit Free Press reported.
"What happened today is kind of unparalleled," Bing said Friday. "Not only did they help us with funding, they're also bringing needed expertise."
Read More
- Fed, state, local officials to discuss ways to aid Detroit
- Detroiters argue against bankruptcy for troubled city
- Detroit pension fund paid out $1 billion in bonuses over two decades
- Detroit defends constitutionality of bankruptcy protection
- Detroit's bankruptcy affects the dead
- Detroit bankruptcy bill at $12.8 million and counting
