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The Special Funding Program Unit (formerly known as the Rural Unit) assists local agencies in delivering projects that are funded with other various federal and state transportation funds. Examples of these funds include the federal and State of Michigan designated funds or Earmarks, Federal Land Access Program (FLAP), Emergency Repair and Response (ER) Program, the Ferry Boat Program (FBP), Congestion Mitigation / Air Quality (CMAQ), Carbon Reduction (CR) Program, Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, and various other legislated programs. Such projects are awarded to eligible local municipalities.
The unit also administers projects for which local agencies have obtained Transportation Alternatives (TA) funds for selected Safe Routes to Schools projects, as well as enhancement grant funded projects, including nonmotorized pathways and streetscapes.
In addition, the unit delivers the Local Safety Program, in which the goal is improving the safety for all users (motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users) on public roadways under local agency jurisdiction. All roads open to the public, even if such roads are not on the federal-aid eligible network, are eligible for safety funds. Applications are accepted annually.
Contacts
Landon Johnson, P.E. | 517-335-6779
Special Programs team leader
Michele Zawerucha, P.E. l 989-274-2356
Urban Obligation specialist
Dale Spencley, P.E. |517-241-3403
Rural & Bridge Obligation specialist
Roberto Renteria, Jr., P.E. | 269-254-5957
Special Project specialist
Jackie Pethers, P.E. | 517-643-6189
Safety Program engineer
Sam Jablonowski, P.E. | 517-335-4102
Enhancement engineer
Local Safety Program
Applications are accepted annually.
Application process
- FY 2026 Local Safety Program – Applications received
- FY 2026 Local Safety Program – Applications received - GovDelivery e-mail
- FY 2026 Safety (HSIP and HRRR) Call Letter
- FY 2026 Local Safety CFP exhibit eligibility requirements
- Local safety submittal application
- HSIP Streamlined Systemic Application
- Safety Project Submittal (Form 1627)
- Time of Return (TOR) spreadsheet
- Highway Safety Manual (HSM) analysis spreadsheet
- Local Safety Call for Project webinar training
Safety resources
- Highway Safety Manual (HSM) process
- Road Safety Audits (RSA)
- Traffic and Safety
- ATSSA/NACE Low Cost Local Road Safety Solutions
- Incorporating Safety into Resurfacing and Restoration Projects
- FY 2013 Before and After Crash study
- Common Safety Countermeasures for Local Agencies for Segments & Intersections
- Common Safety Countermeasures for Local Agencies for Pedestrians & Bikes
- Living snow fence