The passage of my Local Jobs Today plan by the legislature now paves the way for the creation of more than 7,000 jobs and $400 million in accelerated road and transit projects.  This plan will put people to work, improve local roads, and strengthen economic development efforts in communities across Michigan. 

The plan provides grants and loans to cities, counties, and local transit agencies, enabling them to take advantage of available federal transportation funding, and to create more than 7,000 jobs in Michigan in 2006 and 2007.

The Local Jobs Today plan is just one component of my Jobs Today Initiative, a $3.5 billion investment to accelerate critical infrastructure and renovation projects over the next three years.  Accelerated projects include environmental cleanup sites, nursing home renovations, sewer upgrades, and transportation projects. 

I first announced the Local Jobs Today plan in March with the original bill sponsor, Senator Mike Prusi (D-Ishpeming) as an effort to improve local road and transit facilities.  The three-bill package was overwhelmingly approved by both Houses of the Michigan Legislature.

To read more, click here http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--143095--,00.html.