LANSING, Mich. -- The state has applied for $290 million in federal money to help tear down blighted buildings and revitalize neighborhoods in 12 cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has proposed launching the "New Michigan Urban Neighborhood" plan. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development could decide on funding by Dec. 1.

"We are working together to overcome division because we understand that all Michigan communities have a shared stake in developing the assets of our urban centers," MSHDA Executive Director Keith Molin said in a statement.

The request is among hundreds seeking part of nearly $2 billion to combat the effects of home foreclosures, vacancy and abandonment.

Under the plan, money would be allocated to acquire and redevelop more than 6,000 foreclosed, abandoned and vacant properties in Michigan, demolish 2,500 structures and rehabilitate or build 1,500 homes.

Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Pontiac, Saginaw and Wyandotte also would be targeted for revitalization efforts under the plan.

The Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority would provide land bank services in Detroit, Oakland County including Pontiac and Kent County including Grand Rapids until local land banks are ready to take over the work.

"We can restore hope and prosperity to communities hardest hit by the recession if we focus the unique resources of our cities and counties on strategically important neighborhoods," said Dan Kildee, Genesee County treasurer who also leads the Genesee County Land Bank, a public authority formed to stabilize neighborhoods by acquiring abandoned properties through tax foreclosure.

On the Web: Michigan State Housing Development Authority.