June 9, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today that the state is awarding $4,242,547 in federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) grants to fund eight projects in seven Michigan counties. The grants will provide communities with 10.6 miles of nonmotorized trails and nearly 5 miles of streetscape improvements, with construction taking place during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.
"These enhancements will improve the quality of life for residents across the state," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. "They are investments that will help make Michigan communities more attractive to residents, tourists and businesses alike."
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 projects such as 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.
"These projects will develop, construct and expand the state's trail system and also help beautify local streets in several counties," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "We are pleased to partner with local road commissions and municipalities to deliver these improvements."
Following are the projects, listed by county:
Allegan County
The Allegan County Road Commission, in partnership with Laketown Township, will construct 3.1 miles of nonmotorized path along Beeline Road and 62nd Street from 1,000 feet south of 142nd Avenue to 147th Avenue. This project will be paired with a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality project and, when complete, will be part of a nonmotorized network connecting the cities of Saugatuck and Grand Haven. The project cost is $716,071, with $500,000 in federal TE funds and $216,071 from Laketown Township.
Ionia County
The city of Belding will make corridor improvements on M-44 from M-91 to Dumon Road, including decorative streetlights, trees and a 10-foot-wide pathway on the north side of M-44 that will extend about 4,600 feet. This pathway will allow for future connections along Water Street to the downtown area and Orchard Avenue to the elementary school, and will dovetail with the city's pending trail project from Demorest Field to downtown and from downtown to East Riverside Park. The project cost is $844,929, including $650,595 in federal TE funds and $194,334 from the city.
Marquette County (two projects)
The city of Ishpeming will construct approximately 2.2 miles of nonmotorized shared-use pathway as part of Phase II of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail that will provide access to, and interpret the area's natural heritage and resources. This trail will connect directly with the Negaunee to Ishpeming Multi-Use Trail, funded with a previous TE grant, and eventually to existing and proposed trails to the east in Marquette Charter Township, Marquette, Chocolay Charter Township, and extending west to Republic Township. The project cost is $429,947 with $118,197 in federal TE funds and $311,750 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund.
MDOT, in partnership with Chocolay Charter Township, will make corridor improvements on US-41/M-28. The project will consist of constructing a nonmotorized path, planting trees and various landscaping, and building an underground pedestrian tunnel to provide safe access across five lanes of US-41 traffic for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project cost is $1,799,736, with $1,439,789 in federal TE funds, $284,947 from MDOT, and $75,000 from the township.
Montmorency County
MDOT, in cooperation with the village of Hillman, will streetscape State Street (M-32 Business Spur), from Veterans Memorial Highway to just north of Progress Street, in downtown Hillman. This project will include colored stamped concrete sidewalks, decorative fencing, pedestrian lighting, benches and trash receptacles. This work is being coordinated with a $2.9 million MDOT road reconstruction project scheduled for the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons. The project budget is $376,150, including $263,305 in federal TE funds, $75,230 from MDOT, and $37,615 from the village.
Newaygo County
The city of Grant will streetscape a two-block stretch along M-37 from Commerce Street to State Street, and along Main Street from Front Street to Lake Street. This project will enhance the entrance to the community and increase awareness of the downtown business area. Aesthetic improvements include trees, benches, flower planters, trash receptacles, decorative paving and streetlights reminiscent of the 1930s. The project budget is $516,110, including $361,277 in federal TE funds, $125,000 from the Freemont Foundation, and $29,833 from the city.
Oceana County
The Oceana County Road Commission will construct 2.3 miles of pathway and paved shoulders to accommodate bicyclists in the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area. The 10-foot-wide path will be located adjacent to Silver Lake Road and Hazel Road. The road commission also will construct paved shoulders on N. 34th Avenue. This pathway will serve as a regional link between the Silver Lake State Park, businesses, existing bike routes, and the Hart/Montague State Trail. Work will occur in conjunction with a road project during the 2009 construction season. The project budget is $665,000, including $399,000 in federal TE funds, $209,440 from Golden Township, and $56,560 from the road commission.
Wayne County
MDOT, in partnership with Canton Township, will streetscape 1 mile of M-53 (Ford Road) from Lotz to Lilley. The project will include adding extensive tree, shrub and perennial plantings, and installing curb ramps that are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. This and other improvements by the township, including installing new decorative lighting, are intended to help soften the appearance of Ford Road and contribute to further economic development of the corridor. The project budget is $1,020,767, with $510,384 in federal TE funds and $510,383 from the township.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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