Governor Whitmer Announces Funding to Fix Local Roads in 28 Villages and Small Cities Across the State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2024

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Governor Whitmer Announces Funding to Fix Local Roads in 28 Villages and Small Cities Across the State

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced 28 villages and cities across the state with populations less than 10,000 will receive road funding grants totaling $5.1 million.

"These grants will help 28 communities across Michigan fix their local roads faster to save drivers time and money," said Governor Whitmer. "Since I took office, Michigan has fixed 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,600 bridges while supporting over 89,000 jobs, and today's funding will build on that total. Let's keep fixing the damn roads so people can go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands without blowing a tire or cracking an axle. Let's keep fixing our roads to lower costs for drivers on repairs, save them valuable time, and improve their quality of life."

Established by the state Legislature in 2018, the Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Category B program is administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and serves as a stop-gap program to help fund road projects in small communities. Successful projects were selected, in part, because they are paired with planned infrastructure work, coordinated with other road agencies, focused on extending the useful life of the road and had limited funding sources.

"I applaud MDOT's work to improve our infrastructure around the state by partnering with and investing directly into our communities," said state SenatorErika Geiss (D-Taylor). "As we continue to work to make all of our communities vibrant places to live, work and grow, this state funding helps the City of Ecorse stretch their dollars while improving our local roads."

"It's often difficult for smaller communities to compete for resources alongside our larger cities. I'm grateful that the Community Service Infrastructure Fund exists to help fill this gap," said state SenatorSam Singh (D-East Lansing). "Thanks to this program and MDOT, residents in and around the Village of Lennon can expect a smoother, safer drive as they navigate Lennon Road."

"Maintaining great communities means maintaining our infrastructure, and we know that's a costly task for our municipalities," said state SenatorMallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). "Through our partnership with the state and MDOT, and as a testament to the stellar coordination on projects from local leadership, we're able to help bring one more infrastructure project closer to completion for Huntington Woods residents."

"With Michigan's often severe weather, our roads can almost always use extra attention. The $250,000 in funding is welcomed news," said state Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). "The investment will allow Saugatuck to make necessary repairs to ensure safer commutes for our neighbors who take Maple Street every day to work, school or wherever else they may need to go. I'm thrilled to see this investment being made in our community, as it will undoubtedly go a long way in keeping our drivers and pedestrians safer on the roads."

"The additional $250,000 in road repair funding will improve the lives of many Huntington Woods residents," said state Representative Natalie Price (D-Berkley). "Investing in roads ensures safer communities, reduces wear and tear on our vehicles and enhances the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. I'm proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the Legislature to secure this funding, and I will continue to advocate for more resources for our communities."

"The $250,000 investment in Ecorse will be a boon for the city. It will provide for much needed repairs to a number of our neighborhood streets, allowing for people to travel more safely and securely within our community," said state Representative Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park). "In the long run, this grant will help drivers in our communities save time and money by ensuring that our roads are safe for use while not damaging drivers' vehicles.

Grant awards range from $54,000 to $250,000 for road resurfacing, culvert replacement, pavement crack sealing and other preservative measures.

CSIF Category B grants for 2025

Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) helps finance highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products, and for getting workers to their jobs, materials to growers and manufacturers, and finished goods to consumers. TEDF "Category B," or the "Community Service Infrastructure Fund," grants are allocated for road improvements in cities and villages with a population of 10,000 or fewer.

More details about the individual grants and information on the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 program, opening in early April, are available online at TEDF Category B - Villages and Small Cities.

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