MECOSTA COUNTY, Mich. — Mecosta County's Gotion Battery Plant is continuing their path to building a multi-billion dollar facility.
A federal review of the battery plant, called a CFIUS report, showed the company's purchase of land in Mecosta County did not fall under their jurisdiction.
"It's a big disappointment," said (R) Congressman John Moolenaar, who represents Michigan's 2nd Congressional District. "And it shows the flaws of the CIFIUS process. It was basically them punting and saying it's not our job."
The report is meant to determine if there's any national security threats of foreign entities coming into the United States to do business.
"I don't believe that the CIFIUS review process is effective," said Congressman Moolenaar. "It's been a disappointment. And quite frankly, you know, they did not come out in any way clear this project, they just basically said it's not their jurisdiction."
In Green Charter Township, where the plant is proposed to be built, Supervisor Jim Chapman, whose board unanimously approved the project in December, has a different view on the federal government's findings.
"What this has done is provide us with verification," said Chapman. "And so now we can comfortably go forward with the project, knowing that it's not the security threat that some folks have tried to make it out to be."
At the township's public meeting Tuesday night, some in the community are still concerned about Chinese involvement in the company or it's possible environmental impacts.
"It makes me sick that every time you stand up and pledge allegiance to that beautiful flag, your allegiance is to China," said a community member during public comment.
Chapman feels better now that what he calls "the final obstacle" is over.
"There were no security issues that they needed to deal with," said Chapman. And so that's it set, The CIFIUS is done. A lot of people in the community, including my township board has been waiting for it."
If the project does go through, Chapman says more than $1 million will be paid by an infrastructure grant through the Right Place of Grand Rapids to replace their sewer system.
Gotion plans to break ground in August.
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