January 8, 2009 -- State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle today announced that projects in seven Michigan counties will receive $6.3 million in federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) grants. The TE grants will help fund 4.8 miles of road and landscaping improvements and 20.6 miles of biking and walking trails in Gladwin, Houghton, Huron, Kent, Otsego, Wayne and Wexford counties. The combined cost of the nine projects is $10.6 million, with more than $4.3 million being contributed in local match.
"We are pleased to be able to work together with these cities, townships and downtown development authorities to make these important projects happen," said Steudle. "Enhancing quality of life creates benefits for residents and businesses alike when communities are strategic about improving streets and roadways and expanding nonmotorized transportation options."
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 streetscapes and nonmotorized trails. TE funds 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.
Following are the projects, listed by county:
Gladwin County
In cooperation with the city of Beaverton, MDOT will construct a 10-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path north of Beaverton to connect the downtown area with Beaverton's commercial district. The project also includes making improvements to one block in downtown Beaverton, the last phase of an existing streetscape project, and adding lighting to a stretch of M-18 south of Beaverton, to improve safety on M-18 between Beaverton and a new school. The project budget is $185,875, including $111,525 in federal TE funds, $37,175 from the Beaverton Downtown Development Authority and $37,175 from MDOT.
Houghton County
In partnership with the city of Houghton, MDOT will make enhancements to Houghton's downtown business route, US-41 (Sheldon Avenue) from Franklin Street to Bridge Street, near the approach to the Portage Lake lift bridge. In addition to adding decorative sidewalks and historic-style light fixtures, MDOT will restore the historic nature of Sheldon Avenue by turning it back to a brick street. The work will be done in conjunction with a city water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer project next year. The project budget is $3,039,138, including $999,877 in federal TE funds, $401,014 from MDOT, and $1,638,247 from the city.
Huron County (two projects)
MDOT will widen road shoulders along 1.6 miles of M-25 in Huron County from the village of Caseville to Weaver Road to make M-25 safer for bicycling. The paved shoulders will connect Caseville with Caseville Park, Sleeper State Park, Phillip Park, Thompson Park, Oak Beach Park, McGraw Park, and Port Crescent State Park. The project budget is $1,559,160 with $1,247,328 in federal TE funds and $311,832 in match from MDOT.
In Huron Township, MDOT will widen the shoulders of M-25 from Huron City Road to Port Austin, replacing existing five-foot-wide shoulders with paved shoulders that are eight feet wide. The expanded paved shoulders will improve safety for bikers and walkers traveling between the two towns and will connect the village of Port Austin to the Huron City Museum. The project budget is $809,666, including $647,733 in federal TE funds and $161,933 from MDOT.
Kent County
The village of Sparta will make streetscape improvements to the central business district to promote slower traffic, generate a friendly downtown atmosphere, and make walking and bicycling safer. The project limits are Division Street from State Street to the Nash Creek Bridge, and along Union Street from Division Street to the Nash Creek Bridge. Improvements will include decorative brick crosswalks, decorative lighting, benches, trees, shrubs and landscaping. The project will be done in conjunction with sewer and road improvements. The project budget is $753,000, including $376,500 in federal TE funds and $376,500 from the Sparta Downtown Development Authority.
Otsego County
MDOT, in cooperation with Charlton Township, will make improvements along three-tenths of a mile of M-32 between Birch Street and Rowan Street and a one-block section of Heatherton Road in the village of Johannesburg. Included will be new concrete sidewalks, ornamental lighting, street trees, shrubs and street furniture. The project budget is $390,681, including $269,304 in federal TE funds, $49,500 from Charlton Township and $71,877 from MDOT.
Wayne County (two projects)
In Hamtramck, MDOT, in coordination with the city, will add landscaping and an ornamental fence along MDOT right of way on I-75 within the city limits. This will improve the visual impact of the freeway. The project budget is $709,720, including $567,776 in federal TE funds and $141,944 from MDOT.
In Detroit, MDOT, in coordination with the city and the New Center Council, will construct a streetscape project on Woodward Avenue from I-94 to Baltimore Street, and then from West Grand Boulevard to Euclid Street. Improvements will include street trees with decorative grates, historic light fixtures, trash receptacles, benches and bike racks. The goal is to provide a safe and distinctive pedestrian-oriented district on Woodward Avenue in the New Center Area that will serve as a catalyst for commercial revitalization and tourism development. The project budget is $1,985,310, including $1,191,186 in federal TE funds and $794,124 in matching funds, with $397,062 from MDOT and $397,062 from the city and the New Center Council.
Wexford County
MDOT, in partnership with the city of Cadillac, will add decorative lighting, trees and planters along the US-131 corridor (Mitchell Street) in downtown Cadillac. The improvements will be paired with an MDOT road project. The project budget is $1,177,277, including $882,958 in federal TE funds, $235,445 from MDOT, and $58,864 from the city.
MDOT says: Remember- In Ice and Snow, Take It Slow!
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