July 26, 2005- -The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is awarding $461,128 in transportation enhancement funding to make streetscape improvements to US-12 (Chicago Road) in Sturgis. Improvements planned for the area include new sidewalks to improve accessibility under Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, as well as the addition of brick paving, trees, landscaping, benches and trash receptacles. The project is scheduled to begin in April 2006 and end by November 2006.
"This project will help create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly and attractive downtown area for residents and visitors alike," said State Transportation Director Gloria J. Jeff. "We are pleased to partner with the city of Sturgis on a project that improves safety and adds even more to the overall appeal of the downtown area."
The streetscaping will complement a $4.85 million project planned for next year. MDOT will partner with the city of Sturgis to completely reconstruct 1.7 miles of US-12 with all new pavement, curbing and gutters, drainage improvements, and traffic signal upgrades. That work is expected to begin next summer. The total project cost is $576,410, including $345,846 in federal enhancement funds, $115,282 from MDOT and $115,282 from the city of Sturgis.
Under federal law, 10 percent of federal surface transportation funds are earmarked for transportation enhancement projects. Administered by MDOT, the grants enable communities to invest in landscapes, streetscapes, and bike path and trail development. Transportation enhancement funds provide a maximum of up to 80 percent of the money required for each project, with the remainder coming from state and local government and the private sector.
MDOT: Celebrating 100 years of transportation innovation, 1905-2005
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