February 03, 2003
Friday, January 31, 2003
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that several transportation projects in Build Michigan III (BMIII) will be deferred until additional federal funding can be secured and other issues resolved. Approximately $153 million in Build Michigan III funds will be invested to focus on preservation rather than expansion.
“Michigan families deserve better roads right now,” Granholm said. “We must focus on fixing the roads we have today before we look to expanding tomorrow. I am directing that our transportation spending in Build Michigan III focus on preservation first. While these expansion projects are all worthy, it makes no sense to invest in them until more federal and local funding is secured.”
Under the proposal, all or portions of four projects have been deferred, pending local agreements and available funding to complete subsequent project phases.
The I-375 East Riverfront Access project in Detroit is deferred. This project supports the relocation of General Motors Headquarters to the Riverfront and related development, and is put on hold until right-of-way issues can be resolved. The deferral totals $68 million.
The M-53 project from I-696 to 14 Mile Road in Warren to support expansion of the GM Tech Center is deferred until funding agreements can be reached with the City of Warren. The deferral totals $4 million.
While the $30 million reconstruction of the M-59/US-23 interchange will continue, the M-59 widening project from I-96 to US-23 in Livingston County is deferred. The deferral totals $56 million.
The M-84 project from Kochville Road to Euclid Road in Saginaw, which totals $25 million, is deferred.
