Funding to Fix local Roads Across Michigan

Funding to Fix local Roads Across Michigan

by | Nov 29, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       

November 29, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Funding to Fix local Roads Across Michigan, Save Local Communities Time and Money

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded eleven grants totaling $4 million to cities and road commissions to help rebuild local roads across Michigan.

“These grants will help communities across Michigan fix local roads faster to get people to work, allow businesses to expand, and move goods all year round,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, Michigan has fixed 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges while supporting more than 100,000 jobs, and today’s funding will add to that total. Let’s keep working together to fix 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 get this done to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

 

Gogebic County Road Commission: Lake Road 

The Gogebic County Road Commission will resurface Lake Road from Jackson Road to Slade Road, which includes paving new asphalt, painting new pavement markings and updating the guardrails to meet safety standards. Lake Road is an all-season roadway and is the primary access route between US-2 and the Gogebic-Iron County Airport. The roadway is rutted in the wheel paths, which can hold ice and rain.

 

Total project cost is $570,660. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the local road commission will cover $195,660.

 

Marquette County Road Commission: Cherry Creek Road (CR 551) 

The Marquette County Road Commission will resurface Cherry Creek Road (CR 551) from CR 480 north approximately 7,920 feet, which includes milling, paving, and new curb and gutter. Cherry Creek Road is an all-season road providing access between the US-41/M-28 intersection to CR 480. The project will improve the road condition and safety.

 

“I have been and will continue to be a big advocate for investments being made in Upper Peninsula infrastructure, so I’m very glad MDOT selected Gogebic and Marquette County for these road repair grants,” state Rep. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) said. “I’m proud that our hard work to improve the strength and quality of life in our rural communities is paying off — the collaboration between lawmakers, the governor and state departments makes genuine positive change for Michigan and our residents. This program is placing Yoopers’ tax dollars right back in their communities by improving the roads they use every day, making our communities safer and stronger. I look forward to sharing more details on the projects these grants will fund and how many good-paying jobs they will create.”

 

Total project cost is $764,045. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the local road commission will cover $389,045.

 

Roscommon County Road Commission: Old US-27 

The Roscommon County Road Commission will resurface Old US-27 between Federal Avenue (CR 305) and M-55. Road work includes culvert replacement and cleaning, new curb and gutter, and paving road approaches. Old US-27 is an all-season roadway providing connectivity to M-55, Federal Avenue (CR 305) and Emery Road (CR 400). Road conditions have deteriorated and has the potential to cause unsafe driving conditions, impacting multiple commercial operations in the area.

 

Total project cost is $919,605. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the local road commission will cover $544,605.

 

City of Manistee: 1st Street, Sibben Street, 5th Street, and Kosciusko Street 

The City of Manistee will resurface 12 blocks of the Old US-31 truck route, including 1st Street from US-31 (Cypress Street) to Sibben Street, Sibben Street from 1st Street to 5th Street, 5th Street from Sibben Street to Ramsdell Street, 5th Street from Kosciusko Street west approximately 170 feet, and Kosciusko Street from 5th Street to 8th Street. The project includes widening the turning radius at the corner of 1st Street and Sibben Street, asphalt resurfacing, curb and gutter repairs, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant upgrades of sidewalk ramps.

 

The Old US-31 truck route connects to US-31 and is the only permitted all-season route to many factories and businesses in town. These improvements will improve safety and prevent further deterioration of the roadway.

 

Total project cost is $577,000. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the city will cover $202,000.

 

Midland County Road Commission: Salzburg Road

The Midland County Road Commission will resurface Salzburg Road from Waldo Road to Rockwell Road. Work includes milling the existing road surface, adding two layers of asphalt and widening the shoulders. Salzburg Road is an all-season road connecting to M-47 and serves as an important route for a major area employer. The road improvements will ensure that Salzburg Road remains within the all-season network.

 

Total project cost is $818,441. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the local road commission will cover $443,441.

 

Saginaw County Road Commission: Kochville Road 

The Saginaw County Road Commission will resurface Kochville Road from Davis Road to North Michigan Road. Road work includes milling the existing surface, laying asphalt and adding gravel shoulders. Kochville Road has experienced an increase in truck traffic due to nearby concrete plants and docks. The truck traffic is subject to seasonal weight restrictions, causing truck operators to reduce loads when frost laws are in effect. In addition, pavement in this section of roadway is nearing the end of its operational life. This project will improve the road quality and bring the road up to all-season standards to enable full truckloads during seasonal weight restrictions.

 

“If we want to keep our region moving forward, we need to keep our workers and goods moving,” said State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City). “With over half a million dollars in combined grants —for repairs to Salzburg Road in Midland and Kochville Road in Saginaw — our work with MDOT and local road commission partners will ensure these critical transportation infrastructure upgrades, and keep area commerce running smoothly.”

 

The total project cost is $195,650. The State of Michigan is providing $156,520 in funding and the local road commission will cover $39,130.

 

City of Belding: Bridge Street 

The City of Belding will resurface Bridge Street from M-44 (State Street) to Ellis Street. Road work includes new asphalt surfacing, replacing the curb and gutter, and painting new pavement markings. Bridge Street is an all-season roadway connecting M-44 to downtown Belding, schools, parks, and industrial areas. The road condition is rapidly declining and needs resurfacing to maintain unrestricted access.

 

Total project cost is $483,600. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the city will cover $108,600.

 

Ottawa County Road Commission: 8th Avenue and Hayes Street

The Ottawa County Road Commission will resurface 8th Avenue and Hayes Street from Garfield Street to the Kent County line. The project includes repaving with two courses of asphalt, widening shoulders, painting new pavement markings, and improving sidewalk ramps to meet ADA standards. These streets are part of an all-season route connecting the industrial areas of Marne and the agricultural areas of Kent County with I-96. The road improvements will repair road condition to maintain the all-season route and increase safety of the route by widening the shoulder.

 

Total project cost is $1,039,500. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the local road commission will cover $664,500.

 

City of Springfield: Avenue A

The City of Springfield will resurface Avenue A between M-89 (Dickman Road) to M-37 (Helmer Road). Road work includes milling the existing surface, asphalt paving and painting new pavement markings. Avenue A is the main corridor for east/west traffic between Battle Creek and Springfield. The roadway needs repairs on the top surface in order to improve the quality of asphalt for travel along this important route.

 

Total project cost is $529,000. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the city will cover $154,000.

 

City of Coldwater: Butters Avenue 

The City of Coldwater will resurface Butters Avenue from Garfield Avenue to Race Street. The road project includes reshaping the roadway, curb and gutter installation and drainage improvements. Butters Avenue is an all-season road used as the alternative emergency route for US-12. The road condition has deteriorated and needs repair to improve efficiency and safety of commercial truck traffic.

 

Total project cost is $1,050,000. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the city will cover $675,000.

 

Jackson County Department of Transportation: Airport Road 

Jackson County Department of Transportation will resurface Airport Road from I-94 north to County Farm Road. The project includes milling and resurfacing with two courses of asphalt, upgrades to sidewalk ramps to meet ADA standards, replacing curbs, and painting new pavement markings. Airport Road is an all-season road connecting businesses, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, schools, and surrounding residential neighborhoods to I-94.

 

“I am grateful for the allocation of $375,000 to the Jackson County Department of Transportation towards repairing Airport Road in Jackson — a main road within my district,” said State Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township). “This funding will enhance the efficiency of transportation for residents, and it will contribute to the economic growth and development of our community. Investing in our state infrastructure is always wise, and I am committed to securing further funding for vital projects like this.”

 

 The total project cost is $624,331. The State of Michigan is providing $375,000 in funding and the local road commission will cover $249,331.

 

Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF helps finance highway, road and street projects that are critical to the movement of people and products, and getting workers to their jobs, materials to growers and manufacturers, and finished goods to consumers. TEDF “Category F” or “Urban Areas in Rural Counties” grants provide state funding for public roadway improvements that create system continuity with the secondary all-season road system. Eligible entities for the Category F program are urban areas of 5,000 population or more, in rural counties having less than 400,000 population.

 

Category F grants provide funding for projects that include improving access to the state all-season system or improving safety and all-season capabilities on routes having high commercial traffic. Eligible road agencies include county road commissions, cities and villages. More information about the program is available online at www.Michigan.gov/TEDF.

 

AG Re-Issues Charitable Giving Consumer Alert

AG Re-Issues Charitable Giving Consumer Alert

by | Nov 28, 2023 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 28, 2023

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Re-Issues Charitable Giving Consumer Alert

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents to choose wisely when selecting an organization for charitable giving to ensure their donations go to the worthy cause of their choice.

During the holidays, many of us are inspired to donate our money, time, or belongings to those less fortunate. Sometimes donations are solicited via phone calls and emails. Michigan has many legitimate and worthy charities, but it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions before making a donation.

The Department of Attorney General’s It’s the Season for Wise Charitable Giving alert and Charitable Giving Public Service Announcement provides questions that you should ask any charity before donating your money, time, or belongings. Those questions include asking how much of your donation will actually be used for the charity’s purpose and whether the charity is registered to solicit donations by the Michigan Attorney General’s office.

“Every donation makes an impact, and I am proud to hold public office in a state with such a strong philanthropic foundation,” Nessel said. “But as Michigan’s Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring those donated dollars are going to the people and organizations they are intended for. If you are thinking about making a charitable donation this holiday season, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your gift is being put to good use.”

You can check an organization’s status at the Attorney General’s website or by calling 517-373-1152. This should only be the first step in your research. Not all organizations are required to register, so many legitimate charities may not appear on the list. You may need to dig deeper.

The organization must have an IRS 501(c)(3) status as a charitable organization for your gift to be tax deductible. The IRS Select Check tool can be used to search for 501(c)(3) organizations.

In order for your donations to make a positive impact, they should go to those in need. Reviewing the It’s the Season for Wise Charitable Giving alert and taking these simple steps will help you make informed decisions about your charitable contributions all year round.

Consumers may contact the Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section at:

Department of Attorney General Charitable Trust Section
P.O. Box 30214
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7571
Fax: 517-241-7074
Email
Charitable Trust Website

Your connection to consumer protection is just a click or phone call away. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics.
Winning Name of Turkey to be Pardoned: Dolly Pardon 

Winning Name of Turkey to be Pardoned: Dolly Pardon 

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

November 20, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Winning Name of Turkey to be Pardoned: Dolly Pardon

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the winner of the turkey pardon naming contest. This week, a turkey named Dolly Pardon will be pardoned before Thanksgiving. The winning name, submitted by Jay Kozlowski of West Bloomfield, was selected from more than 3,900 entries in the statewide contest announced last week. This is the second turkey pardoned since the governor took office.

 

“Congratulations to Jay for submitting Dolly Pardon, the winner of this year’s turkey pardon statewide naming contest,” said Governor Whitmer. “Thanksgiving is a special time in Michigan and I am so grateful that we are continuing this fun holiday tradition. I also want to thank every Michigander who entered the competition. I loved reading through the hilarious suggestions. It was difficult to pick just one, but I am very proud we got it done. Looking forward to pardoning Dolly Pardon soon.”

 

 turkey

Oakland SAVES Initiative Invests $5 Million

Oakland SAVES Initiative Invests $5 Million

by | Nov 20, 2023 | Regional News

Oakland SAVES Initiative Invests $5 Million of ARP Funds to Reduce Energy Costs for Income-Qualified and Other Households

Post Date:11/20/2023 12:31 PM
  • Michigan Saves, the country’s first nonprofit green bank, will administer a grant program called Oakland SAVES on behalf of Oakland County to improve the energy efficiency of income-qualified and other homes.
  • The $5 million program will have two tiers of grants: $4 million in total grants for income-qualified households and $1 million in total grants for any household.
  • Some of the environmentally sustainable upgrades that are eligible for the grants include insulation, weatherstripping, ENERGY STAR HVAC, doors, and windows.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County will collaborate with Michigan Saves, the first nonprofit green bank in the United States, to make at least 1,000 Oakland County homes more energy efficient, reducing energy costs for working families.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners, working with County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration and Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell, designated $5 million of the county’s American Recovery Plan (ARP) funds for the Oakland SAVES (Simple Actions for Valuable Energy Savings) grant program, administered by Michigan Saves, to help make environmentally sustainable improvements to income-qualified and other households.

“Helping our residents upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes will not only enable them to save money on their utility bills but will also be beneficial for the environment,” Coulter said. “Less energy usage means a reduction in carbon emissions and that translates into a cleaner, more sustainable environment for all of us.”

The $5 million Oakland SAVES program will have two tiers of grants. The first will utilize $4 million for grants of up to $5,000 for income-qualified households. The second will use the remaining $1 million to pay up to 20 percent of a sustainable home improvement, capping out at $3,000, for any Oakland County household.

Tier one will serve residents who earn too much to qualify for free services from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and most utility income-qualified programs, but struggle to qualify for traditional financing. These homeowners exist within every community and are overlooked when it comes to energy assistance programs. All too often, these homeowners are making ends meet but are just one emergency expense away from financial difficulty.

“Our partnership with Michigan Saves will lower the annual energy costs for Oakland County working families, and help us achieve our county’s climate action goals,” Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman David T. Woodward. “Together, we will help more than 1,000 households save money, support local jobs, and build a better and greener county for all of us.”

Some of the environmentally sustainable upgrades that are eligible for the Oakland SAVES grants include attic insulation, air sealing, basement wall or crawlspace insulation, door weatherstripping, duct insulation, floor insulation, wall insulation, ENERGY STAR doors, ENERGY STAR windows, ENERGY STAR water heaters, ENERGY STAR air conditioners, ENERGY STAR furnaces, and ENERGY STAR thermostats. Program participants may also make building code or health and safety improvements associated with installing energy-efficient upgrades.

“Utility burden, especially energy, is one of those household costs that can be easily reduced with simple energy efficiency upgrades,” Quetell said. “By weatherizing and enhancing existing homes, residents will have a more comfortable and healthy home environment. This program will not only improve the quality of life for our residents but also work towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from our residential energy use.”

The Oakland SAVES program will be available until Dec. 31, 2025, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. For more information or to apply for a grant, go to www.MichiganSaves.org or call 517-484-6474

“We are honored to partner with Oakland County, and we commend them for taking steps to help residents address the impact of climate change through more sustainable home energy solutions,” said Todd Parker, vice president of Michigan Saves. “Offering grants to income-qualified households is a step forward in ensuring all Michiganders benefit from clean energy and climate-resilient solutions that support healthy and thriving communities.”

Sustainability Accomplishments by Oakland County

  • Oakland County was a key participant in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 electric vehicle charging infrastructure planning, tool kit design, and community engagement funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), collaborating with Wayne and Macomb counties.
  • The county was the recipient of a $1 million Michigan Enhancement Grant to support electric vehicle infrastructure on county-owned properties which will result in approximately 20 charging ports throughout Oakland County’s government campus and Oakland County Parks.
  •  The Oakland County Office of Sustainability launched a monthly inter-county sustainability meeting with Washtenaw, Ingham, and Macomb counties.
  • Oakland County Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell serves on the SEMCOG Healthy Climate Task Force.Sustainability Office staff have participated in a variety of mobility and electrification events and conversations throughout the region including the Oakland County Economic Outlook Roundtable, the Michigan Association of Counties 2022 Conference, The 2022 North American International Auto Show EV Panel, the Monroe County Mobility Conversation EV Panel, and the SEMCOG EV Ride Event.

About Michigan Saves

Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, is dedicated to making clean energy improvements easier for all Michigan consumers. Through affordable financing and other incentives, Michigan Saves connects borrowers to a network of skilled contractors for energy efficiency, geothermal and solar installation projects. Michigan Saves believes an equitable transition to a carbon-free Michigan where everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy and climate-resilient solutions is possible. Through consistent outreach, quality workmanship and affordable funding, Michigan Saves promotes accessible, equitable and just investments in energy efficiency and clean energy to support healthy and thriving communities. For more information, visit www.MichiganSaves.org and follow us on Facebook @michigansaves, Twitter @MichiganSaves and LinkedIn @michigan-saves.

Multistate Comment Letter in Support of Agricultural Workers

Multistate Comment Letter in Support of Agricultural Workers

by | Nov 16, 2023 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 16, 2023

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Nessel Joins a Multistate Comment Letter in Support of Agricultural Workers

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced the filing of a multistate comment letter including a coalition of 11 attorneys general in support of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regarding changes to the H-2A program. The H-2A program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform temporary agricultural work. The proposed regulations would strengthen both worker protection measures for H-2A agricultural workers and the DOL’s capability to monitor compliance and take enforcement actions.

“The proposed rule changes to the H2-A program would bring protections to vulnerable members of the workforce and greater accountability to those responsible for their working conditions,” said Nessel. “Michigan’s workforce is bolstered seasonally by thousands of agricultural H2-A program workers. I stand with my colleagues in advocating for their broader protection and enhanced monitoring of the federal program.”

The H-2A program experiences high rates of workplace violations and worker exploitation. The Proposed Rule is intended to address concerns regarding DOL’s ability to enforce regulations related to foreign labor recruitment, to improve accountability for employers and their successors-in-interest to ensure compliance with the law and regulatory requirements, and to enhance worker protections for a marginalized workforce.

The comment letter highlights three specific areas that promote access to information and accountability:

  • Broader protections for workers’ efforts to form and join labor organizations;
  • Protection from arbitrary or retaliatory termination; and
  • Transparency regarding foreign recruiters.

In filing the multistate comment letter, Attorney General Nessel is joined by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington.
Applications Open for Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class

Applications Open for Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class

by | Nov 16, 2023 | Regional News

Applications Now Open for Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class

Post Date:11/15/2023 3:06 PM
  • Oakland County is accepting applications for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 from Nov. 15 – Dec. 12.
  • Finalists, who will comprise the 12th class of 40 Under 40, will receive invitations to the 2024 State of the County Address and pre-reception and the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Award celebration.

Pontiac, Mich. – Applications are now open for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, County Executive Dave Coulter announced today. The award program seeks individuals under the age of 40 who embody Oakland County’s vision of “All Ways, Moving Forward” with significant and essential service to their communities, creative innovation, or high achievement in their professional field.

“Our 40 Under 40 classes have encompassed talent, skill, and excellence coupled with passion for public service and a commitment to significant and critical contributions to their communities,” said Coulter. “I have no doubt that the 2024 class will be no different, and I look forward to connecting with the people who are making such a difference in our county.”

Oakland County’s Equity Council will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion when it completes the first-round review of the applicants. From there, a panel of judges comprised of community and county leaders will recommend the 40 award recipients. Award winners will receive an invitation to the 2024 State of the County Address and pre-reception and the Oakland Together 40 under 40 Award celebration.

To be eligible, a candidate must live or work in Oakland County, be 18 years of age or older, and have been born after Dec. 31, 1983. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12. For more information or to apply, go to www.oakgov.com/40under40.

“Oakland Together” was unveiled by Coulter in 2020 to encourage collaboration and cooperation.

“We can leverage our strengths to tackle our challenges before they become problems,” Coulter said. “We can lead and innovate. We can be fiscally responsible with the taxpayer’s money and forward-thinking. To do that, we must be Oakland Together. Together as public servants working for the public good, together with our residents and businesses, and together with our region.”

“All ways, moving forward” describes Oakland County’s roadmap for the future, which Coulter unveiled in his 2022 State of the County address. The five-year strategic framework commits Oakland County to “All ways, moving forward,” by making a real and measurable impact in three primary areas: a strong economy, healthy and safe communities, and opportunities for residents to live their best lives.