On March 28, Zeeland and Tecumseh had transportation projects selected for grant funding through the Transportation Economic Development Fund Category A grant program.

The projects approved with Category A grant funding represent public investments of $1,683,814 supporting private industry development of over $108 million. Attached are the lists that include a description of the transportation improvements and a brief summary of the related economic developments.
2012-2 Award spreadsheet 1127 and 1128.pdf (17.42 kb)

Jason Mancini works for the Michigan Municipal League as a Legislative Associate and handles Transportation issues. He can be reached at 517-908-0303 or by email at jmancini@mml.org

The initial date for final submission of billings for the American Recovery and Reconstruction Act of 2009 (ARRA) has been changed. The original date was set at September 30, 2015. A new guidance document released by the Federal Highway Administration headquarters requests all field offices to shorten the timeframe by two years, making the new date for final submission of billings September 30, 2013. Please find the ARRA final billing dates letter attached.
ltr 030512 CRAM MML re ARRA Final Billing Dates.pdf (234.94 kb)

Jason Mancini works for the Michigan Municipal League as a Legislative Associate and handles transportation issues. He can be reached at 517.908.0303 or by email at jmancini@mml.org

The House Transportation Committee took up HB 5304 for testimony only on March 14. This bill among other things would amend Public Act 51 to provide that local road agencies that receive less than $50,000 in 2012 would have their funds shifted to their respective counties starting in 2015.

Michigan Municipal League staff, joined by Ralph Ochs of Wolverine Village, Bill Carson of Boyne Falls, Meg Mullendore-Cluckey of Cassopolis, Randy Zenk of Pewamo, Michelle Harrington and Tina Eastman of Applegate, Mary Howard of Hopkins and Dennis Ritter of Clarkston testified in opposition. They testified that HB 5304 would take away local control and by transferring this money to the County, it would make the road service less effective and efficient. In addition, other testimony was given to describe how essential this money is for the local communities expected to be affected by this legislation. Over 100 communities would be affected by this legislation. Click Here to view the cities and villages receiving less than $50,000 in 2012.

The County Road Association and the Michigan Townships Association also testified in oppostion to the legislation. The Michigan Department of Transportation testified in support of the legislation and said that this is a very small amount of money that these communities are currently receiving and the money would be better spent if pooled together. The bill did not receive a vote, and the League will continue to work with the sponsor of the bill (Rep. Ouimet) in the coming weeks. No other action is expected on this bill for the immediate future.

Jason Mancini works for the Michigan Municipal League as a Legislative Associate and handles transportation issues. He can be reached at 517-908-0303 or by email at jmancini@mml.org.

The  2012 Spring Transportation Asset Management Conference will take place on April 25 in Livonia. The Michigan Municipal League is a co-sponsor of this conference that is designed for all local and appointed officials who have an interest in transportation projects or facilities.
Here is a flyer with all of the details. 2012 Asset Management Spring Conf BrochureREV (ElecVersion).pdf (470.88 kb)

Jason Mancini works for the Michigan Municipal League and handles transportation issues. He can be reached at 517-908-0303 or by email at jmancini@mml.org