July 14, 2008 -- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the state is awarding nearly $1 million in Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding to make improvements to downtown areas in Reading and Portland. The work will take place during the 2008 and 2009 construction seasons.
In the village of Reading, TE funding will be used to streetscape M-49 from Silver Street to State Street, and Michigan Street from M-49 to Chestnut Street. This project will be done in conjunction with work by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to reconstruct M-49.
In Portland, a TE grant will streetscape a three-block stretch of Maple Street, and add decorative lighting to Grand River Avenue from Kent Street to Cutler Road. The streetscape project will be done in conjunction with the reconstruction of Maple Street and Grand River Avenue.
"These enhancements will make the communities of Reading and Portland more attractive places to live and do business by stimulating economic growth and attracting new jobs here in Michigan," Granholm said.
"Doing road improvements and enhancement projects at the same time minimizes construction impacts resulting in savings that benefit everyone involved," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "It's a synergy that encourages state and local agencies to work together."
Under federal law, 10 percent of federal surface transportation funds are set aside for TE projects. TE grants are administered by MDOT and provide a maximum of 80 percent of the money required for each project, with the remainder coming from state and local government and the private sector.
Project Details
Hillsdale County
MDOT, in partnership with the village of Reading, will streetscape M-49 from Silver Street to State Street, and Michigan Street from M-49 to Chestnut Street in downtown Reading. The proposed improvements will calm traffic, as well as enhance the gateway area in a manner that complements the historic buildings in the area. The project includes decorative lighting, trees, brick pavers, benches and planters. The total budget is $375,035, including $262,525 in federal TE funds, $56,255 from the village of Reading and $56,255 from MDOT.
Ionia County
The city of Portland will make streetscape improvements along a three-block stretch of Maple Street from Grand River Avenue to Brush Street, and add decorative lighting on Grand River Avenue from Kent Street to Cutler Road. The improvements include trees, benches, flower planters, trash receptacles, decorative paving and decorative streetlights. The total budget is $881,750, including $694,160 in federal TE funds and $187,590 in matching funds from the city.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! -A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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