LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued the following statement on President Obama's announcement on Recovery Act funds for hybrid vehicle and advanced battery technologies:

"I applaud President Obama for his remarks today on the future of vehicle electrification and grid technologies.  The announcement that the Department of Energy will award $2.4 billion in grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for advanced battery manufacturing and electric vehicle deployment comes at a critical time.  Right now, the American automobile industry is developing advanced-technology vehicles that will secure U.S. leadership in this sector.  Make no mistake that the future of advanced-battery production will be in Michigan.  We have the workforce and manufacturing expertise necessary to successfully compete for these dollars, and we are expanding our battery incentives, already the most aggressive in the nation, to total $535 million.  Over the coming weeks, my administration will be working with applicants who are dedicated to bringing advanced-battery production to Michigan.  Capitalizing on this opportunity will strengthen the U.S. auto industry, create good-paying jobs in Michigan, and move our country toward energy independence."   

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