May 10, 2004
May 10, 2004
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will leverage nearly $20.7 million in private sector development through a $520,506 Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grant to Oakland County. The grant will help bring 360 new jobs to Oakland County by facilitating major road improvements. Oakland County has provided a 52 percent match of $563,882.
The grant paves the way for MDOT to construct a new interchange at Lapeer Road/M-24, reconfigure the intersection of Lapeer and Brown Roads, and extend Dutton Road - work designed to solve access issues and meet just-in-time delivery requirements of the General Motors Orion Township assembly facility. MDOT also plans to make upgrades to four target road developments to reduce congestion at the T-intersection of Brown and Lapeer Roads. The work includes new boulevard crossovers, additional turn lanes, traffic signals, and the elimination of direct left turns. The three companies investing in the project - Atlas-Copco, Delphi Corporation, and Faurecia Automotive Seating Inc. - are automotive suppliers.
"Partnerships like the one we are celebrating today are an essential component to growing our economy, creating jobs, and preserving Michigan’s quality of life," said Granholm. "The companies that stepped forward today to help MDOT improve road access and relieve congestion in this economically critical area are truly our partners in making Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century."
"We are thrilled to have partners in the private sector who see the mutual benefits of doing business and expanding in the communities where they are located, while helping to make travel more safe and convenient in Michigan," said State Transportation Director Gloria J. Jeff. "We are working together to create manufacturing jobs and strengthen the long-term economic outlook for people, businesses, and communities in Michigan. We commend Atlas-Copco, Delphi, and Faurecia for their commitment."
Atlas-Copco is an industrial tool manufacturer and a provider of prototype multiple-fastening machinery. It intends to invest $4.6 million as part of a planned expansion into a new industrial area adjacent to Dutton Road in Auburn Hills. Currently under construction, this facility will create 25 new jobs when it opens. Delphi Corporation, which manufactures parts for the automotive industry, is opening a new facility near the intersection of Dutton and Lapeer Roads and intends to invest $1.8 million and add 130 new employees at the facility. Faurecia Automotive Seating Inc. is a supplier of seats to the automotive industry and will invest $14,309,000 at its new Auburn Hills facility, creating 205 new jobs.
The TEDF program is a revolving loan program that seeks to increase the financial viability and accelerate the delivery of important transportation projects. Governor Granholm and Director Jeff presented the check to the Road Commission for Oakland County at the Atlas-Copco Building in Auburn Hills.
