Grants target road improvement projects in rural counties, enhancing safety, efficiency, and economic development.
Investments in Michigan’s Roadways
LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the allocation of nine grants totaling $2.9 million to cities and road agencies across Michigan to improve local roads in rural counties. The funds, part of the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category F program, aim to enhance road conditions, increase safety, and support commercial transportation.
“These grants will help communities fix roads faster, improving transportation for families and businesses alike,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Since taking office, Michigan has repaired nearly 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges while creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. These projects will build on that progress.”
Key Projects Across Michigan
The grant recipients include municipalities and road agencies tasked with addressing critical roadway issues that impact safety, commerce, and local quality of life. Highlights include:
- City of Ishpeming: Resurfacing Washington Street, a key truck route for mining materials, with $375,000 in TEDF funds contributing to a $515,000 project.
- Mason County Road Commission: Rebuilding South Jebavy Drive, a new all-season route benefiting local businesses, with $375,000 in TEDF funds toward a $760,330 project.
- City of Bay City: Resurfacing Marquette Avenue to handle increased truck traffic near the Saginaw River, backed by $375,000 in TEDF funds for a $470,555 project.
- City of Tecumseh: Resurfacing South Occidental Highway, improving access to a commercial business corridor with $375,000 in TEDF funds for a $750,035 project.
Economic and Community Impact
These road improvements target critical transportation corridors, ensuring smoother travel for trucks hauling goods such as mining materials, agricultural products, and manufacturing supplies. Enhanced roads also improve safety for residents and help rural communities attract and retain businesses.
About the TEDF Program
The TEDF, established in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, finances highway, road, and street projects crucial to the movement of people and goods. Category F grants focus on urban areas in rural counties, supporting roadway improvements that ensure system continuity and enhance safety.
Eligible entities include county road commissions, cities, and villages in counties with populations under 400,000. These grants are essential for connecting communities to Michigan’s all-season road network, facilitating economic growth and reducing costs for local taxpayers.
For more details on the TEDF program, visit Michigan.gov/TEDF.
