April 20, 2006
April 20, 2006
Includes Unprecedented Local Partnership for Michigan Communities
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, and Speaker of the House Craig DeRoche today announced a sweeping agreement that will create thousands of jobs by addressing transportation and economic development needs of communities across the state.
The agreement paves the way for more than $400 million in road programs outlined in the Governor’s Local Jobs Today plan, which for the first time grants state funds to local communities for investments to match available federal dollars. The package also authorizes communities all across Michigan to ask voters to invest in mass transit programs. Currently, there are federal “New Start” earmarks for transit rail projects for a Detroit-Ann Arbor light rail system and a fixed guideway system in Grand Rapids.
Another major provision in the agreement authorizes improvements to U.S. 131 in Southwest Michigan that will reduce congestion and facilitate economic development.
Finally, the agreement includes $15 million that will be used by Travel Michigan to market Michigan to out-of-state travelers – $7.5 million this year and $7.5 million next year.
“Today’s announcement is about driving job creation in Michigan and paving the way for growth all across our state,” Granholm said. “From going anywhere and doing anything to attract jobs to Michigan, to investing in the infrastructure that supports commerce, we have a targeted economic road map, and it’s moving Michigan in the right direction.”
Sikkema and DeRoche also applauded the agreement.
“Transportation infrastructure is a critical component of economic investment and growth,” said Sikkema, R-Wyoming. “Senate Republicans have been insisting on a transportation program that takes economic revitalization, congestion relief, and safety into consideration. This agreement will accomplish many goals vital to bringing Michigan out of its economic slump and getting her people working again.”
“For our economy to grow and create jobs, we have to meet the infrastructure needs of the job providers and developers who are considering Michigan as a place to do business,” DeRoche said. “Today’s agreement brings good news for long suffering commuters and employers who have been desperate for a signal from Lansing that the state understands their need for road expansion and relief from congestion.”
Key components of the economic development agreement that will create more than 7,000 jobs include U.S.131 – Constantine bypass; changes to FY06 transportation budget, including restoration of Amtrak $1 million; legislation that allows communities to ask voters to approve mass transit projects; Latson Road project (Livingston County); Milbocker Road project (Otsego County); study of I-75 expansion from 8 Mile to M-59 (Oakland County); and Travel Michigan marketing funds.
# # #
