MDOT announces grant award to fund infrastructure projects supporting BlueOval Battery Park in Calhoun County

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded a state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) grant to the Calhoun County Road Department (CCRD) for road improvements related to Ford Motor Co.'s BlueOval Battery Parkthat will improve safety, reduce congestion and support 1,700 new jobs and $2.5 billion of private investment in Emmett and Marshall townships.

The state TEDF grant helps finance public highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products, and getting workers to their jobs, materials to growers and manufacturers, and finished goods to consumers.

The CCRD projects will improve Verona Road between Raymond Road and 15 Mile Road, and sections of 11 Mile and 15 Mile roads. Improvements include an asphalt overlay, road widening, signal modernization, and the addition of turn lanes, which will support Ford's $2.5 billion investment in the BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, currently under construction in Marshall. The TEDF Category A funds will fund $17 million of the $21.2 million infrastructure investment.

"This project reflects our commitment to providing residents with a modern and efficient transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of today and the future," said Brian Kernstock, senior civil engineer for the CCRD. "We are grateful for the support and funding from our grant partners, which make these vital upgrades possible."

The improvements made possible by this grant will help accommodate increased traffic generated by the BlueOval project.

"This incredible investment in our community's roadways will increase safety and improve traffic flow," said Jim Durian, CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance. "This project allows for continued growth of the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity and Recreation (MAJOR) Campus, which will be home to Ford's BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and future businesses, creating local jobs and boosting the local economy."

"This project is a great investment in Marshall Township that will provide our residents, families and neighbors with safe and reliable roads long into the future," said Dave Van Arman, Marshall Township treasurer. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with local and state stakeholders on our efforts to be good fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars."

"This funding is a great opportunity to improve a highly traveled road and major intersection in our township," said Deb Belles, township supervisor of the Charter Township of Emmett. "This will improve traffic flow from the new development in the area and set us up for the future."