(THREE RIVERS) – The City of Three Rivers has a surprise visitor on Monday.

Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist came to Three Rivers to help highlight the State's small business programs and promote new funding for businesses of all size in Michigan.

Gilchrist shared about Governor Gretchen Whitmer's signing of legislation that created a $1 billion economic development fund called the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund. It was done in an effort to help Michigan compete for what Whitmer calls billions of dollars in investment.

There was also legislation signed to create a $500 million fund to help support small businesses, help create or retain jobs and make the economy more adaptable to the rapid pace of technological change.

Gilchrist says approximately $409 million would be allocated to support small businesses such as restaurants, gyms and other businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gilchrist met with some of the leaders of Three Rivers to get a tour of the downtown area. He was able to see some of the projects that have been completed and others that are planned for the next few years.