The Michigan Department of Transportation announced today that they awarded nearly $3.4 million of federal Transportation Enhancement grants for projects that will benefit 19 communities in eight Michigan counties. These Enhancement grants improve roadway aesthetics and safety for pedestrians and non-motorized traffic as a way to make communities more attractive and enhance quality of life. Projects that were awarded today will go to cities and townships across the state, including traffic calming and pedestrian safety in Coldwater, rail-trail improvements and connectivity in Meridian Township, pedestrian curb ramps, sidewalks and crosswalks in Kalamazoo and Grand Haven, and a 16 mile rail trail expansion in the city of Belding and Montcalm and Ionia Counties. The federal government requires that 10% of federal surface transportation funds be set aside for enhancement projects like these and given the changes in federal policy that we’re seeing, this announcement is an indication of the kinds of elements the federal government will be looking for into the future. Walkability and non-motorized access projects will continue to receive positive attention and there is mounting pressure for the state to shift its policy focus as well, to better balance the economic development benefits from road improvements for motorists and non-motorists alike. Communities should look to sources like this and include non-motorized projects as part of their planning going forward.
Chris Hackbarth is the transportation policy advisor for the Michigan Municipal League. Chris can be reached at 517-908-0303, or by email at chackbarth@mml.org.
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