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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 19, 2025
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MEDIA CONTACT Michael Frezell 517-281-6519 FrezellM@Michigan.gov |
MDOT commits $11 million to local agencies
for vulnerable road user safety improvements
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the commitment of $11 million in federal funds for nine Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants. At this stage, MDOT is issuing Conditional Commitments reserving federal transportation funds designated by Congress for state-approved projects.
TAP is a competitive grant program that funds specific transportation projects, like separated pathways, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes and other facilities, that improve vulnerable road user safety. These enhancements provide safe alternative transportation options embodying the “mobility for everyone” concept.
“The TAP, including its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) category, truly delivers on MDOT’s strategic vision seeking original and innovative projects and investing in mobility options that improve Michiganders’ quality of life,” State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said. “TAP receives modest funding to address large-scale public health and safety concerns, enhance local and regional economic development and provide citizens with alternative mobility options.”
The following nine approved projects received Conditional Commitments:
| County | Applicant Name | Project Name | Project Work | Total Grant Request |
| Ionia | Ionia County Road Department, MDOT Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center (TSC) | Tuttle Road/M-66 Connector | Shared-use pathway | $349,802 |
| Muskegon | City of Montague | SRTS: Montague Area Public Schools | Pedestrian crossings, crosswalk lighting | $1,200,000 |
| Oceana | Village of Shelby | SRTS: Shelby Public Schools | Sidewalk construction | $1,073,804 |
| Oakland | City of Rochester Hills, MDOT Oakland TSC | M-150 Active Transportation Connectivity | Sidewalk and bridge design and construction | $1,436,765 |
| Iosco | City of Tawas, East Tawas, MDOT Alpena TSC | US-23 Tawas Bay Iron Belle Trail | Shared-use pathway and pedestrian lighting | $4,386,880 |
| Oscoda | Oscoda County Road Commission | SRTS: Mio-AuSable Schools | Sidewalk construction | $954,000 |
| Delta | City of Escanaba, MDOT Superior Region | US-2/US-41/M-35 Corridor Project, Section 1 (2027) | Active transportation and safety improvements | $151,416 |
| Delta | City of Escanaba, MDOT Superior Region | US-2/US-41/M-35 Corridor Project, Section 2 (2028) | Active transportation and safety improvements | $952,811 |
| Dickinson | Dickinson County Road Commission | Pine Mountain Road/ Westwood Avenue nonmotorized project | Paved shoulders for bike lanes construction | $872,680 |
Recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as a best practice, MDOT’s management of TAP and its projects meet stringent federal and MDOT design standards, requiring extensive teamwork. MDOT partners with a variety of agencies to include county road commissions, cities, villages, etc. to facilitate grant application and project implementation. MDOT reserves the funds being committed today subject to applicants meeting certain requirements for implementation. Awards are given when all the conditions have been met.
“Receiving this grant is a tremendous win for our community and we’re absolutely thrilled,” said Tawas City Mayor Jackie Masich. “Rebuilding and widening the existing bike path will meet the requirements of the Iron Belle Trail and will better help connect neighbors, promote healthier living and create a safer, more accessible way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.”
“The TAP grant is a truly exciting development for the City of East Tawas,” said East Tawas Mayor Bruce Bolen. “Replacing the existing deteriorated pathway will result in a wider, smoother, safer walking/biking pathway that will enable residents and visitors to better enjoy outdoor activities, while appreciating the scenic beauty of Tawas Bay.”
“With Tawas being awarded a grant to extend the bike path as a part of the Iron Belle Trail, I am excited to see how that transforms our community,” said Brian M. Pritchett, Tawas City resident, cyclist and advocate. “The stretch along US-23 provides some of the most scenic views in the state. This pathway is something that will enhance our community experience and support tourism for generations to come. I am excited to see the Tawas area be a part of the statewide initiative to develop a pathway from Belle Isle to Ironwood!”
Visit the TAP website to learn more about the three application cycles each year for Statewide TAP, the schedule, online application and instructions. Please contact Michael Smith, TAP manager, at 517-335-1069 or SmithM13@Michigan.gov, or refer to MDOT’s region contact map for further information.
### Give plows space, it’s not a race.