Innovate Albion asks committee to reinstate roughly $90,000 to finish ADA elevator renovation

Caroline Hertot, executive director of Innovate Albion, asked the subcommittee to restore the remainder of a previously appropriated state award to complete an elevator and accessibility renovations at the nonprofit's facility in downtown Albion. Hertot said the project is about 90% complete, the state initially committed $250,000, and Innovate Albion has received $160,005, leaving approximately $89,905 in limbo.

Hertot said the elevator and accessibility work is foundational to the center's mission: Innovate Albion serves more than 500 students annually and provides machine shops, robotics and other hands-on STEM programs, including for students with mobility challenges. She told the committee that the elevator manufacturer caused delays, components are on-site, and completion would take roughly six weeks once funds are restored. Without state funds, Hertot said the nonprofit would likely pause the project, seek additional philanthropic support and potentially reduce programming.

Members asked whether the remaining state dollars were still encumbered; Innovate Albion said it had not been notified that the funds remain available. The committee did not take a vote; the request will be considered in the subcommittee's budget review.