Michigan Communities Get Economic Boost from $47.3 Million in Transportation Enhancement Funding

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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ben Kohrman April 9, 2009 (517) Michigan Communities Get Economic Boost from $47.3 Million in Transportation Enhancement Funding LANSING Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. today announced that 67 communities in 27 Michigan counties will benefit from a total of $47.3 million in transportation enhancement (TE) funding. This total includes 22 projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding will complete 176 miles of bike paths and paved shoulders; enhance local roadways in communities statewide with lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, crosswalks and other improvements; preserve a historic bridge and two historic rail facilities. The projects are planned for the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons and will create or retain more than 1,300 jobs. This is a positive step for Michigan s economy, said Lt. Governor Cherry. These enhancement projects will create jobs and improve communities so that they are more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors. Transportation enhancement grants enable communities to invest in streetscape improvements, recreational path development and historic structure improvements. Local communities benefit from federal ARRA funding, because no local match is required. We are pleased that our transportation enhancement program for 2009 has been expanded by federal recovery funds that allow us to partner with more cities, townships, villages, and road commissions to make improvements that enrich communities and create jobs, said state Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. The following projects are listed by county: Allegan County The city of Wayland will streetscape West Superior Street from US-131 to Church Street. The proposed improvements, recommended as part of the city s 2005 Downtown Blueprint, include decorative sidewalks at the corners of several intersections and street lighting. This work is planned in conjunction with a road project. The total budget for the project is $355,261, including $234,472 in federal TE funds and $120,789 from Wayland. Construction will begin this spring. Antrim County The village of Mancelona, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), will streetscape US-131 from 220 feet north of Dale Avenue to 225 feet south of Division Street. The work is planned in conjunction with a US-131 road reconstruction project by MDOT scheduled to begin in June. The project will include decorative sidewalk, light fixtures and trees. The project budget is $238,945, including $174,430 in federal TE funds and $64,515 from the village.

2 Page 2 Arenac/Bay Counties MDOT will widen the paved shoulders on M-13 from M-247 to Standish, and from US-23 to the Arenac/Iosco county line to safely accommodate bicyclists. The budget for this ARRA project is $4,000,000. Calhoun County MDOT will install native plantings at the I-94/I-69 interchange along the roadside, in the interchange and next to Bear Creek, within the right of way to reduce storm water road runoff and improve water quality. This project also will be combined with a road resurfacing project. The total project budget is $350,099, including $280,079 in federal TE funds and $70,020 from MDOT. Cheboygan County The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will make improvements to 5 miles of trail surface and construct a trailhead in Mackinaw City. This location is where three major trail systems from the west, center, and east sides of the state converge. The budget for this ARRA project is $900,000. Clare County (two projects) MDOT, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, village of Farwell, Clare County Parks and Recreation, and the Clare County Road Commission, will pave 5.41 miles of the shared-use Pere Marquette Rail-Trail from west of the city of Farwell to east of Washington Road. The budget for this ARRA project is $850,000. MDOT, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the city of Clare, will extend the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail from US-127 through the downtown area, ending at the Clare Public Library. The project will consist of a 10-foot bike path with a bridge over a small creek. Construction is scheduled to begin in June. The total budget is $1,205,000, including $636,427 in federal TE funds, $68,573 from MDOT and $500,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Eaton County MDOT, in partnership with the city of Eaton Rapids, will streetscape M-50/M-99 (Main Street) from State Street to Canal Street. This project will be paired with a reconstruction project of Main Street. Streetscape amenities will include streetlights, benches, trash receptacles, decorative sidewalk, stamped asphalt crosswalks, concrete planters, perennial plantings, shrubs, and trees. The budget for this ARRA project is $699,495. Genesee County (three projects) The city of Flint will extend the Flint River Trail through Riverbank Park, connecting the trail with Attwood Stadium, Kettering University, and Mott Golf Course at Mott Park, and ending at McLaren Regional Center at Ballenger Highway. The total budget for this ARRA project is $1,017,500. The city of Grand Blanc will streetscape Grand Blanc Road from the west city limits to Saginaw Street. This project will include brick pavers, trees, decorative streetlights, sidewalk, and other amenities and will enhance, protect, and preserve the visual and scenic quality of Grand Blanc Road and the city by extending and connecting other streetscape projects within the city. The project budget is $1,052,056, including $715,398 in federal TE funds and $336,658 from the city. Construction is expected to begin this summer. MDOT in partnership with the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, city of Flint, Flint Township, and Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, will acquire 1.5 miles of abandoned railroad right of way for the future development of a regionally significant non-motorized

3 Page 3 trail known as the Genesee Valley Trail. The property runs from M-21 (Corunna Road) to Chevrolet Avenue in the city of Flint. This acquisition will connect a section of railroad line to the west acquired by MDOT in 2008 to the 12.5-mile Flint River Trail at Riverbank Park. The total project cost is $360,000, including $288,000 in federal TE funds and $72,000 from MDOT. Gladwin County MDOT, in cooperation with the village of Beaverton, will construct a 10-foot bike path to the north to connect the downtown area and the commercial district outside of downtown. The project includes streetscaping one block of the downtown area, which will be the last phase of an existing streetscape, and add lighting to a stretch of M-18 south of Beaverton to improve the safety in an area with a new school. The total budget is $185,875, including $111,525 in federal TE funds, $37,175 from the Beaverton Downtown Development Authority and $37,175 from MDOT. Construction will begin in July. Houghton County (two projects) In partnership with the city of Houghton, MDOT will make enhancements to Houghton's downtown business route, US-41 (Shelden Avenue) from Franklin Street to Bridge Street, near the approach to the Portage Lake lift bridge. In addition to adding decorative sidewalks and historic-style light fixtures, MDOT will restore the historic nature of Shelden Avenue by turning it back to a brick street. The work will be done in conjunction with a city water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer project. The project budget is $1,670,154, including $1,156,665 in federal TE funds, $307,969 from MDOT, and $205,520 from the city. MDOT will improve safety on M-26 by paving 2.4 miles of shoulders to accommodate bicyclists from Henwood North Road to Winona Street in Calumet Township. The work will be done in conjunction with a planned road project. The budget for this ARRA project is $225,758. Huron County (three projects) MDOT will widen the paved portion of the shoulders along 3.6 miles of M-25 in Fair Haven Township to safely accommodate bicycle riders. The budget for this ARRA project is $273,000. MDOT will widen the paved portion of the shoulders along 4.9 miles of M-25 in Hume and Port Austin townships to accommodate bicycle riders, in conjunction with a road resurfacing project. The budget for this ARRA project is $390,000. MDOT will widen the paved portion of the shoulders along 3.7 miles of M-25 in Sanilac and Forester townships to accommodate bicycle riders. The budget for this ARRA project is $312,000. Ingham County (two projects) The city of Lansing will streetscape Grand Avenue from St. Joseph Highway to Shiawassee Street. Amenities will include brick paving, concrete sidewalk, planter islands with trees, shrubs and benches. The project budget is $761,884, including $200,000 in federal TE funds and $561,884 from the city. The village of Webberville will streetscape Grand River Avenue from Summit Street to Clark Street, and Main Street from Cherry Street to Chestnut Street. Amenities will include decorative brick paving, concrete sidewalk, streetlights, trees, planter boxes, benches and trash receptacles. The project budget is $387,620, including $259,705 in federal TE funds and $127,915 from the Webberville Downtown Development Authority. Construction will begin this summer. Jackson County MDOT, in partnership with Amtrak and the city of Jackson, will stabilize the Jackson Amtrak Depot, built in 1873, and the Express Building, located in the city of Jackson. Believed to be one of the

4 Page 4 oldest railroad stations in continual active use in the United States, the depot is a stop on the Chicago/Detroit/Pontiac high-speed Amtrak rail corridor. Both buildings were identified in the Jackson Amtrak Intermodal Feasibility Study as needing renovation that is expected to cost approximately $10 million. The stabilization will bring much-needed repairs to the historic building while plans are finalized for its future use and preservation. The stabilization will consist of resolving current drainage problems that are compromising the depot's foundation. Additional needs include roofing on the Express Building and masonry work to both buildings. All repairs will follow Department of Interior standards for historic buildings. The budget for this ARRA project is $938,000. Kalamazoo County (two projects) The city of Portage will construct 10-foot shared-use non-motorized extensions to the Northwest Portage Bikeway to connect to both the Millenium and the Portage Creek Bicentennial trails. These extensions will also create safe off-road connections between a number of densely populated residential areas and commercial establishments. The total cost of the project is $399,779, including $200,000 in federal TE funds and $199,779 from the city. The Kalamazoo County Road Commission, in partnership with the city of Kalamazoo, will construct five miles of bike path from the Riverview Drive/Mosel Avenue intersection to the north along the Kalamazoo River and Westnedge Avenue, ending on D Avenue 200 feet east of the Kalamazoo River. This project is the next phase of a planned continuation of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The total cost of this ARRA project is $1,766,125. Kent County (four projects) The city of Grand Rapids will make streetscape improvements in the Southtown neighborhood of southeast Grand Rapids. The first phase, Hall Street from Jefferson Avenue to Madison Avenue, will be completed in A second phase, Madison Avenue from Hall Street to Adams Street, is planned for The work will be done in conjunction with two combined sewer overflow projects. In addition, the city will be replacing the water main and building new concrete curb and gutter and driveways, and a new asphalt street surface. Project elements include trees, landscaping, benches, trash receptacles, brick pavers, and ornamental street lighting. The total cost of this ARRA project is $929,170. In conjunction with the M-21 bridge replacement over the Grand River in Ada Township, MDOT will expand the bridge deck 14 feet to accommodate a bicycle and pedestrian path on one side of the bridge. The project budget is $1,216,126, including $729,676 in federal TE funds and $243,225 in matching funds from MDOT and $243,225 from the township. The village of Sparta will streetscape the Central Business District to promote slower traffic, generate a friendlier downtown atmosphere, and allow for safe, non-motorized travel. The project limits are Division Street from State Street to the Nash Creek Bridge and along Union Street from Division Street to the Nash Creek Bridge. Streetscape elements include decorative brick crosswalks, decorative lighting, benches, and landscaping. This work will be done in conjunction with sewer and road improvements. The project budget is $753,000, including $376,500 in federal TE funds and $376,500 from the Sparta Downtown Development Authority. The Kent County Road Commission will partner with the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville, Wyoming and Byron Township to reconstruct 6.2 miles of the Kent Trail network, which is currently eight feet wide. This project will increase the width to 10 feet, enabling the Kent Trails to match new trail systems currently being planned. This will accommodate increased trail use and meet safety concerns, capacity needs and maintenance standards. The project budget is $880,652, including $440,326 in federal TE funds and $440,326 from Kent County. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

5 Page 5 Oakland County The city of Pontiac will construct a bridge over US-24 (Telegraph Road) to provide a safe connection for pedestrians and bicycle riders using the Clinton River Trail system. The Clinton River Trail system is a 16-mile trail that traverses five communities, and is part of a much larger regional system that will ultimately provide over 100 miles of interconnected trails within 2 miles of over half a million people in southeast Michigan. The budget for this ARRA project is $2.1 million. Otsego County (two projects) MDOT, in cooperation with Charlton Township, will streetscape 0.3 miles in the village of Johannesburg. The project is located on M-32 between Birch Street and Rowan Street and includes a one-block section of Heatherton Road. Streetscape elements include concrete sidewalks, ornamental lighting, trees, shrubs and benches. The budget for this project is $475,681, including $337,304 in federal TE funds, $49,500 from Charlton Township and $88,877 from MDOT. MDOT will streetscape the I-75 Business Route in Grayling from M-72 East to M-72 West. The work will be done in conjunction with the I-75 Business Route road reconstruction project. The streetscape elements include decorative brick pavers, trees and benches. The project budget is $371,271, including $297,017 in federal TE funds and $74,254 in match from MDOT. Saginaw County MDOT, in partnership with Bridgeport Township, will restore the historic State Street Bridge, located in Bridgeport Township, spanning the Cass River. Originally built in 1906, the bridge is currently in disrepair and closed to traffic. The restored bridge will become the focal point of Bridgeport and a major destination in Saginaw County. After restoration, the bridge will be used exclusively for pedestrians and bicyclists and will connect to existing local and future regional trail systems. The project budget is $2,163,160, including $1,479,655 in federal TE funds, $250,873 in matching funds from the township and $432,632 from MDOT. Sanilac County MDOT will widen the paved portion of the shoulders along 6.8 miles of M-25 from Port Sanilac to the village limits at Deckerville Road to safely accommodate bicyclists. The budget for this ARRA project is $546,000. Shiawassee County MDOT, in cooperation with the city of Corunna, will streetscape M-71 from Woodworth Street to Hastings Street. Streetscape amenities will include streetlights, trees, benches and trash receptacles. Additionally, a 10-foot non-motorized path will be constructed along M-71 and within McCurdy Park, to connect downtown Corunna with the James S. Miner walkway. These enhancements will be paired with the reconstruction of M-71 from Woodworth Street to Legion Street. The project budget is $792,709, including $491,479 in federal TE funds and $158,542 from MDOT and $142,687 from the city. St. Clair County The city of Marine City will streetscape Broadway Street from Main Street to Water Street. Project elements include streetlights, sidewalks with brick paver accents and landscaping. Other work to be funded by the city will include the addition of a median boulevard section and a clock tower. The completed project will provide a gateway to the central business district from M-29. The project budget is $261,316, including $182,921 in federal funds and $78,395 from the city. Construction will begin this spring. Tuscola County MDOT will widen the paved portion of the shoulders along 6.1 miles of M-15 between Millington and Vassar to safely accommodate bicyclists. The budget for this ARRA project is $468,000.

6 Page 6 Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties The Van Buren County Road Commission, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will resurface 18 miles of the Kal-Haven State Trail using recycled materials. The project will start at the existing 10th Street staging area and extend west to the village of Bloomingdale. The project will also include improving existing bridges to meet current standards. This project is the first phase towards improving the entire 34-mile Kal-Haven State Trail. The budget for this ARRA project is $900,000. Washtenaw County (two projects) The city of Ypsilanti will restore the historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse located in Depot Town. The project will include major structural improvements to the foundation, floor, walls, pilasters, roof and interior mechanical systems. These items, outlined in a Conditional Assessment Report, are required to re-open the 1878 facility, which is planned to serve as a community center, farmers market, café and education center. The budget for this ARRA project is $500,000. The city of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority are partnering to develop streetscape and gateway aesthetic treatments on Fifth Avenue from Beakes Street to Packard Street, and on Division Street from Packard Street to Detroit Street. Items include decorative sidewalk and crosswalk, planters, landscaping, decorative lighting, trees, trash receptacles, benches and bike loops. The project budget is $1,967,904, including $983,952 in federal TE funds and $983,952 in matching funds from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. Construction will begin this summer. Wayne County (seven projects) The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) will install bike racks on all buses in service. Adding the bike racks will allow DDOT to accommodate current riders and attract new customers who want to both bike and ride the bus to their destination. The project cost is $680,110, including $528,718 in federal TE funds and $151,392 from the DDOT. The city of Wayne will streetscape one-tenth of a mile along Wayne Road between Harroun Street and Annapolis Street. Streetscape amenities will include brick pavers, concrete planters, and landscaping. The project budget is $222,362, including $177,890 in federal TE funds and $44,472 from the city. Construction will begin this summer. MDOT will reconstruct portions of the I-275 non-motorized path in Plymouth and Canton townships, signing the trail and bringing it to Americans with Disability Act standards. The budget for this ARRA project is $4 million. The city of Detroit, in coordination with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), will streetscape Monroe Street from St. Antoine Street to Randolph Street, and Brush Street from Lafayette Boulevard to Gratiot Avenue, in Greektown. Streetscape elements include decorative and scored sidewalks, new streetlights, bike racks, trash receptacles and trees. This project will improve the visual quality of the area, making it attractive and safer for pedestrians and will complement the current investments that are part of the Greektown Casino development. The budget for this ARRA project is $1,525,000. MDOT, in coordination with the city of Hamtramck, will plant landscaping and construct an ornamental fence along MDOT right of way on I-75. This project will greatly improve the visual impact of the freeway, and along with bridge rehabilitation work, will help to designate Hamtramck as a City of Promise. The budget for this ARRA project is $655,000.

7 Page 7 The city of Detroit, in cooperation with the University Cultural Center Association and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, will construct a pedestrian/bike path in the University Cultural Center area. This is the first phase of a four-phase project known as the Midtown Detroit Greenway Loop to connect Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center campuses to surrounding areas. Phase one construction will occur along Kirby Street (from Cass Avenue to John R Street) and John R Street (from Kirby Street to Canfield Street) and include construction of the pathway. Project elements include benches, bike racks and storage lockers, pedestrian lighting, landscaping and trash receptacles. The budget for this ARRA project is $2.3 million. MDOT, in coordination with the city of Detroit, and the New Center Council will construct a streetscape project on Woodward Avenue, from I-94 to Baltimore Street and then from West Grand Boulevard to Euclid Street. Streetscape elements will include trees with decorative grates, historic lighting, benches, trash receptacles and bike racks. The project will create a distinctive, pedestrianoriented district in the New Center area that will enhance the safety and appeal of Woodward Avenue for pedestrians and serve as a catalyst for commercial revitalization and tourism development. The budget for this ARRA project is $1,985,310. Wexford County MDOT, in cooperation with the city of Cadillac, will provide streetscape improvements including streetlights, trees and planters along the US-131 Business Route (Mitchell Street) in the downtown area. This work will be done in conjunction with an MDOT road project that will begin in April. The project budget is $1,177,277, including $882,958 in federal TE funds, $235,455 from MDOT and $58,864 from the city. # # # MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.