July 25, 2006
July 25, 2006
Jobs Today program stimulating Michigan economy
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the State is granting $44 million to help 47 counties and 49 cities obtain more than $279 million in federal transportation funds. The money will be used to jumpstart 210 local road projects around the state this year and next, creating nearly 5,000 jobs and stimulating economic development in communities from the tip of the Upper Peninsula to Monroe County. The program marks the first time state dollars are being used to fund city and county transportation projects.
“People don't care if the road they're driving on is a state, federal or local road - they just want it to be smooth and safe,” Granholm said. “We're putting people to work and making our roads work better. For the first time, we are investing state transportation dollars to create jobs and make improvements to local roads that support the economic development efforts of Michigan cities and counties.”
In March, Granholm called on state lawmakers to amend transportation funding laws to allow the state to issue bonds for local transportation grants and loans. Less than three months later, she signed the legislation into law. (Public Acts 139 through 141 of 2006). The Local Jobs Today program is part of the Governor’s comprehensive economic plan to create jobs and grow Michigan’s economy.
Granholm acknowledged the Legislature’s support for the program as well as the state’s partners in this effort, the Michigan Municipal League (MML) and the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM).
“We are committed to providing a safe, efficient transportation system that supports economic growth and makes a real difference in every corner of the state,” said state Transportation Director Kirk Steudle. “By viewing our system as a whole, we are in a better position to invest in a way that will make a true difference to people who rely on the system for business, vacation, or local travel.”
The projects announced today were submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) by CRAM and MML.
Priority was given to projects that met the following criteria:
Locally selected federal aid High Priority Projects (HPP) that are ready to be constructed in 2006 or 2007.
Locally selected federal aid projects scheduled for construction in 2007 that can be advanced to construction in 2006.
Locally selected federal aid projects scheduled for construction in 2008 that can be advanced to construction in 2007.
There will be additional Local Jobs Today announcements later this year as MDOT continues to review projects submitted by CRAM and MML.
A list of cities that were awarded funding is attached.
