January 23, 2007 - - Residents and businesses from the "Tip of the Mitt" to the Thumb area of Michigan stand to benefit from $735,317 in federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding being awarded to their communities. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced that it is partnering with the village of Mackinaw City, the Tuscola County Road Commission, and the villages of Vassar and Mayville. The improvements will be paired with road construction projects planned for 2007.
"Vibrant communities are a critical part of my plan to transform Michigan's economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "These grants will help make local communities more attractive to families and businesses."
"Completing these enhancements while roadwork is underway minimizes construction impacts and creates savings that result in a great finished product that citizens can be proud of," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Not only are we working with our partners to improve the road surface, we are adding enhancements to create a valuable asset that positively impacts quality of life."
In Emmet County, Louvigny Street is being streetscaped from Central Avenue to Depeyster Street in the village of Mackinaw City. The streetscape includes concrete pavers, trees, benches, and lighting. This is a continuation of previous streetscape projects throughout the village, aesthetically enhancing the corridor for residents and tourists. The project budget is $255,315, including $173,614 federal TE funds and $81,701 in matching funds from the village.
"Streetscape improvements play an important role in the economic viability of Mackinaw City by providing aesthetically pleasing and unique corridors for local residents and the more than two million visitors who come here each year. Without these funds, this project would not be possible," said City Manager Jeffery B. Lawson. He added that the TE funds will be used in conjunction with other state and local funding to complete approximately $491,804 of infrastructure improvements to the corridor.
In Tuscola County, the Tuscola County Road Commission will construct 5.4-miles of paved shoulders on Saginaw Road, from Scotch Road to Washburn Road to complete the bicycle facility between the villages of Mayville and Vassar. The project budget is $702,129, including $561,703 in federal TE funds, and $140,426 from the road commission.
"I have received many positive comments from residents. As the network of nonmotorized paths continues to expand rapidly in this region, we anticipate this will become an important link for our community to the rest of the Saginaw River Valley," said Mayville Village Manager James T. Wickman.
"The Tuscola County Road Commission is pleased to partner with MDOT to provide this nonmotorized facility for our local communities," said Tuscola County Highway Engineer Michele Zawerucha.
Under federal law, 10 percent of federal surface transportation funds are set aside for TE projects. Administered by MDOT, the grants enable communities to invest in landscapes, streetscapes, and bike path development. TE 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.
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