March 20, 2007-- Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that more than $3.6 million in federal Transportation Enhancement funding will be awarded to seven Michigan counties. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will distribute the $3,654,072 in Transportation Enhancement funding to 10 projects that will beautify communities and promote the use of non-motorized trails. All of these projects will break ground during the 2007 construction season.
"Healthy communities are critical to a healthy Michigan. This federal funding will make some of Michigan's great downtowns and natural beauty more accessible to visitors and residents alike," Granholm said. "From constructing trails for biking and walking in Lapeer County to updating the entrance to Caledonia's business district - these projects are helping to strengthen the high quality of life that makes Michigan a great place to live, learn and earn."
The seven counties receiving funding are: Benzie, Gratiot, Ingham, Kent, Lapeer, Oakland, and St. Clair. Matching funds add $2,773,849, creating a total investment of $6,427,921 in quality of life benefits to these communities.
"Transportation Enhancement grants give communities the opportunity to make improvements with trails, streetscaping, and other ways that make a real difference in economic vitality and quality of life." said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.
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 projects such as landscapes, streetscapes, and bike path development.
Transportation Enhancement funds can provide up to 80 percent of the money required for each project, with the remainder coming from state and local governments and the private sector.
"Phase II of the streetscape is an exciting project and will be a wonderful improvement to another block of downtown South Lyon," said Mayor John Doyle Jr. "Many people and organizations have put forth great effort and time to make sure it has come to fruition. I look forward to seeing the completed project and what an enhancement it will be aesthetically, in addition to improving the walkability of the downtown."
Following are the projects, listed by county:
Benzie
The Benzie County Road Commission will construct 5.2 miles of paved shoulders to accommodate bicycles on Platte Road (CR-706) from US-31 and M-22 in Benzonia Township in Benzie County. This project will provide a non-motorized transportation link between M-22 and US-31. The project will be constructed in 2007 in conjunction with a road resurfacing project. The total project cost is $460,216, including $368,173 in federal funds and $92,043 in matching funds from Benzie County.
Gratiot
The city of Ithaca will streetscape Center Street from Main Street west to North Pine River. This project will enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote pedestrian safety in the downtown area. The streetscaping includes stamped, colored concrete sidewalks and crosswalks, trees, tree grates, ornamental lights, benches, planters, and trash receptacles. The project will be paired with a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) project for infrastructure improvements in the same area. The budget is $386,389, including $289,792 in federal funds, and $96,597 in matching funds from the city of Ithaca.
Ingham
The city of Lansing, Ingham County, will construct approximately one mile of non-motorized, barrier-free trail between Potter Park and Mt. Hope Road, and between Mt. Hope Cemetery and Scott Woods Park, linking to the existing Lansing River Trail at each end of the project. The trail will be a mix of asphalt paving, boardwalk and pre-engineered bridges. The proposed budget is $1,539,376, including $1,015,988 in federal funds, $500,000 in Michigan Department of Natural Resources funds, $10,000 in Ingham County funds, and $13,388 from the city of Lansing. In addition to the match, the city and county are also contributing $252,832 for project design and engineering costs, and a pedestrian-activated signal.
Ingham
The city of Lansing, in partnership with Ingham County, will construct approximately one mile of non-motorized, barrier-free trail that will connect with the existing River Trail at Hawk Island County Park, beginning at Cavanaugh Road, and continue south along the Sycamore Creek corridor to Maguire Park at the corner of Jolly and Aurelius roads. The trail will be a mix of asphalt paving, boardwalk and pre-engineered bridges.
The project budget is $1,144,551, including $553,848 in federal funds, $426,500 from the Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, $101,806 from the city of Lansing, and $62,397 from Ingham County. In addition to the match, the city and county will contribute a total of $210,686 for project design and engineering costs.
Ingham
The city of Lansing, Ingham County, will install streetscape enhancements along the 200 and 300 blocks of North Washington Square, including historic-style lighting, benches, bike racks, brick pavers, brick crosswalks and tree plantings. Rain gardens will be constructed to provide filtration treatment to the storm water runoff prior to discharging to the storm sewer system. The project budget is $1,334,000, including $266,800 in federal TE funds and $1,067,200 in matching funds from the city of Lansing. The improvements are a continuation of similar streetscape projects previously completed along Washington Avenue and Michigan Avenue. The proposed work will be done concurrently with reconstruction of the 200 and 300 blocks of North Washington Square, which will re-open the two blocks to vehicular traffic. The city is spending $1,570,000 for the road reconstruction and associated storm sewer separation work.
Kent
The village of Caledonia will enhance the downtown business district on Main Street where it connects the downtown to M-37. The streetscape project includes decorative colored sidewalks, street tree and perennial plantings, and decorative lighting. The project budget is $367,950, including $294,360 in federal funds and $73,590 in matching funds from Caledonia.
Lapeer
The city of Lapeer will construct a non-motorized path from Nepessing Street to Saginaw Street. This path will be constructed on an abandoned city-owned railroad corridor and will add 0.5 mile of paved pathway to the existing trail system. The project includes a paved pathway, boardwalk, a pedestrian bridge, landscaping, and signage. This trail will compliment major, locally funded park improvements to Audubon Park, which includes an interior park pathway, pavilion, basketball court, landscaping, and fencing. The budget is $200,000, including $150,000 in federal funds and $50,000 from the city of Lapeer.
Oakland
The city of South Lyon will construct a streetscape project along one-half mile of Lafayette Street, from Liberty Street to McHattie Street. The basic elements of the project include concrete and concrete paver sidewalks, ornamental street lights, and shade trees with ornamental iron grates. This project will provide a more pedestrian-friendly environment for residents and visitors wishing to take advantage of the city's downtown and recreation opportunities. The total budget is $396,192, including $138,667 in matching funds from the city of South Lyon and $257,525 in Federal Transportation Enhancement funds.
Oakland
The village of Holly will construct a streetscape on Saginaw Street in the village's downtown. The project will include stamped and colored concrete at the Saginaw/ Maple Street intersection and crosswalk locations.
The project also includes decorative sidewalk, ornamental lighting, decorative benches, a raised planter, trees and landscaping. The project budget is $436,223, with $327,167 in federal funds and $109,056 in local match from the village of Holly.
St. Clair
The city of Port Huron will construct 0.2 mile of non-motorized trail that will provide continuity along St. Clair County's Bridge to Bay Trail system by connecting the existing trail where it currently ends at Glenwood Avenue and Merchant Street, to where the trail resumes in Pine Grove Park. The project includes construction of a 10-foot-wide concrete non-motorized trail that will run along the south side of Glenwood Avenue from Merchant Street to Fort Street, and then parallel the east side of Fort Street to Merchant Street. The path will then follow the west side of Merchant Street (also called Michigan) until Huron Avenue, where it will connect to an existing concrete trail on the east side of the road at the south end of Pine Grove Park. The proposed trail will provide spectacular views of the St. Clair River, Blue Water Bridge and passing Great Lakes freighters. The project budget is $163,023, including $130,418 in federal funds and $32,605 in local match from the city of Port Huron.
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