Fresh help is on the way for Detroit from Roger Penske, car companies and other civic-minded businesses, The Detroit News reports.
Mayor Dave Bing is expected to announce Monday that a coalition of business interests, including Detroit's three automakers, is planning to fund the acquisition of EMS units and police cruisers for the cash-strapped city.
Mayor Dave Bing plans an "unprecedented announcement" Monday.
In addition to Chrysler, Ford, GM and Penske Automotive Group, an article atop Page One says donors include Quicken Loans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The report by Serene Maria Daniels and two colleagues is attributed to "individuals familiar with the plan."
Additional details come from Kirk Pinho of Crain's Detroit Business, who writes that the donation will buy "23 EMS rigs and up to 100 patrol cars." He adds Kresge Foundation, FirstMerit bank and Platinum Equity to the donors' list, also citing unnamed sources.
Assistance will come in the form of funds to buy vehicles on the city's behalf, a source tells The News, while Pinho indicates they may be leased.
The coverage explains what Mayor Dave Bing will say Monday in what his office describes only as an "unprecedented announcement . . . [with] a significant and positive impact on the city of Detroit."
Bing's announcement will come on attorney Kevyn Orr's first day as emergency financial manager of the financially endangered city.
Gov. Rick Snyder, Bing and Orr have said they want to notch some early victories.
