March 24, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed a new law that will help preserve outdoor dining and commerce along state highways.
 
The bill, sponsored by Senator Gilbert, reinstates the authority of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to issue permits for selling and displaying goods and merchandise outside of city limits or within the right of way of a state trunk line highway.
 
“Michigan’s economic success depends on the success of its communities,” Granholm said.  “We must make sure that our laws are helping, not hindering, local businesses and this law is another step in strengthening local businesses across Michigan.”
 
Public Act 1 (SB 234) allows MDOT to begin issuing permits again to businesses that want to use sidewalk space for outdoor dining and other activities designed to attract customers.  Under Public Act 46 of 1999, businesses were prohibited from selling or displaying their goods in the right of way of a state trunk line highway.  The new law allows MDOT to once again issue permits so all businesses have an equal opportunity to be in the right of way of a state trunk line highway, provided it does not create an unsafe situation.
 
“This law sends an important signal to people across the state,” Gilbert said.  “We are serious about strengthening our economy and making Michigan a place where people want to do business, and we will pass the legislation necessary to make this happen.”
 
Senator Gilbert and Representative John Espinoza, who introduced identical legislation in the House, recognized the importance of utilizing sidewalk space to attract visitors to businesses and communities and worked closely with MDOT to find a solution to the problems Public Act 46 of 1999 presented.
 
“This bill is an example of what we can accomplish for Michigan when we work together to solve the problems facing our communities,” Espinoza said.  “This law provides local businesses with an important tool to grow and be successful.”  
 
Each year millions of dollars of grant money is awarded to communities in Michigan from sources such as the Governor’s Cool Cities Initiative, Community Development Block Grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and MDOT’s Enhancement Grant program. 

“MDOT is committed to the prosperity and vitality of Michigan communities,” said Gloria Jeff, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation.  “This was a great opportunity for us to work with local legislators to find a solution that will benefit both community members and businesses.”

This money helps cities and towns across the state redevelop their downtowns, strengthen their local businesses, and build the infrastructure needed to attract new businesses, and make Michigan a place people want to work, live, and play.