Evidence mounts that distracted driving laws make a difference
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McMahon spoke on the podcast previously, including a few months after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the law making it illegal to use a hand-held electronic device while driving.
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The vital role of transportation in Detroit
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Krassenstein talks about many things, including the challenges of right-sizing streets built to accommodate more vehicles in an era before freeways were built, how safe mobility and accessibility play into the recovery of the city’s neighborhoods, and the innovative thinking going into the 
Last May, Sen. Gary Peters invited Krassenstein
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Award winners for achievements in Michigan aviation
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2025 |
MEDIA CONTACT Michael Frezell 517-281-6519 [email protected] |
MDOT announces award winners for
outstanding achievements in Michigan aviation
LANSING, Mich. – At the 2025 Michigan Airport Conference held in Lansing Feb. 19-20, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced the award winners for achievements in promoting and improving aviation in the state. These awards are presented to airports and consultants who have been nominated by MDOT Office of Aeronautics staff and airport community members.
“Congratulations to all the award recipients who make a positive impact on Michigan aviation,” said Bryan Budds, MDOT Office of Aeronautics director. “The hard work and dedication these airports and individuals have made are truly commendable in making airports safe, connecting people, recruiting new talent and growing the economy.”
The 2025 award winners are:
- General Aviation Airport of the Year Award The Sandusky City Airport was selected for their dedication to protecting the health of Michigan’s aviation system. Airport Manager Don Johnston and the entire airport staff were commended for their diligence in maintaining safety standards at the highest level and for taking a proactive approach in obstruction removal. Their dedication and partnership with MDOT and their community are both recognized and appreciated in maintaining Michigan’s general aviation system at the highest level.
- Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City was selected in recognition of sustained excellence and partnership toward aviation progress in the state of Michigan. The airport’s leadership and staff are commended for their efforts in creating a new zoning ordinance to ensure the safety of the aviating public. Cherry Capital Airport also is recognized for its leadership in air service recruitment and retention in the state, which continues to build on the excellent service provided to the aviation community.
- Robert G. Peckham Consultant of the Year Award Brian Merk, P.E., of Prein & Newhof was given the Consultant of the Year award for providing engineering services to support aviation progress in Michigan. His efforts resulted in the successful completion of airport development projects at airports across the state. He is recognized for his dedication to safety and efficiency of Michigan’s aviation system.
“This award is a testament to the hard-working, dedicated staff at TVC, and passenger support,” said Kevin Klein, CEO of Cherry Capital Airport. “When a community is dedicated to flying locally, the entire region benefits enormously. I’m incredibly proud of Team TVC and our community.”
MDOT annually recognizes airports, individuals and organizations whose innovative contributions have led to significant improvements to facilities, operations or public relations that support aviation in Michigan. MDOT congratulates all the winners and appreciates their contributions to improving Michigan aviation.
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MDOT: Working with our partners at airports, bus systems, marine and rail to find innovative solutions for
Michigan’s transportation systems.
General Aviation Airport of the Year Award: Linn Smith (left), MDOT Office of Aeronautics deputy director, and Sandusky City Airport Manager Don Johnston
© 2025 MDOT Photography Unit
Air Carrier Airport of the Year Award: Back row (left to right): Autumn MacClaren, director of Air Service Development and Marketing; Wayne Schmidt, board member; Steve Plamondon, board chair; Bob Nelesen, airport engineer; Kevin Klein, chief executive officer; Brian Budds, MDOT Office of Aeronautics director; and Dan Saal, chief operating officer.
Front row (left to right): Chris Sieklucki, operations manager; Karrie Zeits, general counsel and property manager; and Mark Bishop, chief financial officer.
© 2025 MDOT Photography Unit
Robert G. Peckham Consultant of the Year Award: Elyse Lower (left), MDOT Office of Aeronautics Project Management Unit supervisor, and Brian Merk, P.E.
Michigan airports to receive $4 million in grants
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 20, 2025
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MEDIA CONTACT Michael Frezell 517-281-6519 [email protected] |
Michigan airports to receive $4 million in grants
for airport improvement projects
Fast facts:
- $4 million in one-time airport development grants have been awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects.
- Funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
- MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced $4 million in one-time Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 airport development grants to be awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
“Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure. Let’s keep working together to improve infrastructure in Michigan and better connect our small business owners, people and families.”
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).
“This important State/Local Program provides essential funding, ensuring airport infrastructure investment for safe, efficient and reliable travel for businesses and communities alike, at airports large and small across our state,” MAC Chair Ben Carter said.
“Hillsdale Municipal Airport is thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the FY 2025 State/Local Program funding,” said Hillsdale Airport Manager Ginger Moore. “We received funding to purchase a much-needed John Deere 5095M utility tractor for snow removal purposes. The airport also received funding for crack sealing and pavement markings. Hillsdale Airport has been working hard improving the airport and staying in good standing for general utility license.”
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.for airport improvement projects
Fast facts:
- $4 million in one-time airport development grants have been awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects.
- Funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
- MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Aeronautics Commission (MAC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) have announced $4 million in one-time Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 airport development grants to be awarded to 33 Michigan airports for 44 improvement projects. These funds will help airports with clearing obstructions, repairing runways, upgrading lighting, building hangars, and acquiring operations equipment.
“Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to investing in infrastructure that serves communities across Michigan, and our airports are no exception,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made bringing home millions in federal funding to improve airports, and these new awards will help airports improve safety, security and infrastructure. Let’s keep working together to improve infrastructure in Michigan and better connect our small business owners, people and families.”
MDOT initially received applications from 54 airports for 97 projects, totaling $10.5 million. Selection criteria was based on airport license status, use of COVID-19 pandemic funding, project timelines, zoning protections, project justification, community support, and alignment with the Michigan Airport System Plan (MASP).
“This important State/Local Program provides essential funding, ensuring airport infrastructure investment for safe, efficient and reliable travel for businesses and communities alike, at airports large and small across our state,” MAC Chair Ben Carter said.
“Hillsdale Municipal Airport is thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the FY 2025 State/Local Program funding,” said Hillsdale Airport Manager Ginger Moore. “We received funding to purchase a much-needed John Deere 5095M utility tractor for snow removal purposes. The airport also received funding for crack sealing and pavement markings. Hillsdale Airport has been working hard improving the airport and staying in good standing for general utility license.”
Michigan has 215 airports statewide, with 18 being commercial airports. Aviation contributes more than $22 billion annually to the Michigan economy according to data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). MDOT’s State/Local Program provides critical funding that helps meet the department’s mission of developing and preserving a safe, high-quality statewide air transportation system.
Southbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 to Genesee county
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Southbound I-75 resurfacing from M-15 (Ortonville Road) to Oakland/Genesee county line begins in early March
VILLAGE OF CLARKSTON, Mich. – Bridge and road work along I-75 in northern Oakland County is expected to resume in early March. The Michigan Department of Transportation is investing approximately $160 million to resurface and repair I-75 from M-15 (Ortonville Road) to the Oakland/Genesee county line. This project includes resurfacing I-75, repairing 11 bridges, drainage improvements, culvert replacements, signs, and guardrail. Various work will be performed in different locations with different schedules throughout the 15 miles over four years.
This year, southbound I-75 will be milled and resurfaced from M-15 to the county line, with two lanes of northbound and southbound traffic sharing the northbound side of the freeway. Bridge repairs will be performed throughout the project limits along southbound I-75. Work is expected to be completed for the year in late fall.
In 2026, crews will remove the temporary crossovers and perform remaining miscellaneous activities.
Funding for this project is made possible by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program to rebuild the state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer useful lives and improve the condition of the state’s infrastructure.
Based on economic modeling, this investment is expected to directly and indirectly support 1,936 jobs.
Highlights of Gov. Whitmer’s road funding plan
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Kolodin first talks briefly about federal grants the state and 
Talking about the governor’s road-funding plan, Kolodin explains how removing the sales tax on fuel, which does not fund roads and bridges, would allow for every penny drivers spend at the pump to go toward road repairs.
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