Stabenow, Levin: Senate Approves More Than $18 Million in Transportation and Housing Funding for Michigan

WASHINGTON, DC – September 17, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) –U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI) today announced the inclusion of $18,350,000 for 14 Michigan projects in the FY 2010 Appropriations bill for the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. The funding was approved today by the full Senate.

“These funds will be used to expand our transportation sector and revitalize cities across our state,” said Stabenow. “In these difficult economic times, improving our infrastructure is a critical step in our road to recovery. That’s why I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the passage of this bill.”

“Investing in Michigan’s infrastructure is a way to provide jobs today and improve our economic vitality in the long term,” Levin said. “These transportation and development projects will improve local communities across the state and serve as long-standing resources for our residents.”

The bill still must be approved by a House-Senate conference committee before given final approval by Congress and being sent to President Obama for his signature.

For information on individual projects, please see the table below.

FY2010 TRANSPORTATION-HUD LIST

Federal Aviation Administration

Oakland County International Airport Terminal Building, City of Pontiac

$750,000

This project helps replace Oakland County International Airport’s obsolete terminal building. The existing terminal is inefficient, has leaky windows, asbestos and is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new terminal will be smaller, more efficient, and will utilize wind to generate electrical power.

Federal Highway Administration

Countywide Regional Loop Trail, City of Mount Clemens

$2,000,000

This is a portion of a larger project that would create a 70 mile trail loop and serve all of Southeast Michigan. Completing the trail sections in Utica and Shelby would allow a trail user to start at Lake St. Clair and travel to the City of Richmond through Clinton, Sterling Heights, Washington, Romeo, Bruce, Armada and Richmond township.

Kettering Gateway Project, City of Flint

$1,200,000

This project consists of road and infrastructure improvements from I-69 and Hammberg Road, to Miller, Court, Fox Street realignment, to Chevrolet and University Avenues. The referenced roadways are failing structurally. Miller Road is in need of lane widening to facilitate current and future traffic volumes. The project is the fifth phase of a multi-year road and infrastructure improvement plan.

Wadhams Road Brige over Black River, City of St Clair

$3,000,000

The project would remove and replace the Wadhams Road Bridge with related approach work. The existing bridge is 12 spans, two-lanes wide with a five-foot sidewalk. The proposed bridge is two-spans, four-lanes wide with a six-foot wide pedestrian walk.

Federal Transit Administration

Benzie Transportation Authority – Bus and Bus Facilities, City of Honor$1,000,000

The funds will be used to purchase five fuel efficient buses, purchase land and build a new facility. Benzie Transportation Authority is experiencing rapid growth. The new facility would provide shelter, office space, a three-bay garage with lifts, and a wash bay. Local schools and other government agencies are interested in contracting with the bus system for maintenance once there is a facility.

The Rapid – Wealthy Operations Center Expansion Project, City of Grand Rapids

$2,000,000

These funds would go toward completing the Wealthy Operations Center Expansion Project. In 2007, The Rapid’s board approved the purchase of five vacant parcels from the city that will be used to expand the Wealthy Street operations center to accommodate growth needs over the next 30 years. These projects will dramatically improve mobility and transportation opportunities for residents of Greater Grand Rapids, and will foster economic growth.

Ann Arbor-Detroit Regional Rail Project, City of Detroit

$5,000,000

This request will provide commuter rail service in the Detroit – Ann Arbor corridor with stops in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Dearborn, and Detroit. The project takes advantage of existing infrastructure where possible and requires adding a new station stop at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Housing and Urban Development

Automation Alley – For construction of the Automation Alley International Business Center, City of Troy$300,000

This Center provides business incubation and export assistance, including foreign market research assistance from area universities through Automation Alley companies, educational seminars and workshops to equip members with tools they need to become successful in the global marketplace.

Buena Vista Charter Township – For redevelopment of blighted property

$400,000

This area has been devastated for years by a vacant mall and other closed businesses on over 50 acres at the intersection of M-46 and Outer Drive. Delta Community College has made an agreement with the township to build a new educational complex at this site, focused on green technologies and advanced medical technologies.

Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Human Resource Authority – For the construction of a new service center, Luce County

$400,000

This funding will be used to build a new service center to house all of the agency’s programs for low- income residents. The current locations do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and energy efficiency standards. The new central location will also improve residents’ access to programs.

Detroit Institute of Arts – For removal and replacement of the roof on an historic building

$650,000

This funding will be used for the Detroit Institute of Arts for the removal and replacement of the central section of the roof on the historic 1927 Cret building. At present, the roofing membrane, insulation, flashings and counter-flashings have all been compromised and require immediate action. Replacement materials will improve existing energy efficiency while maintaining the building’s grandeur.

Saginaw County – For an energy efficient infrastructure demonstration project to support the renaissance of downtown Saginaw

$350,000

This funding will improve the local, downtown parking structure for use by residents, while making the top facility energy self-sufficient. The top floor of the structure will be covered with solar panels and all lighting, ticketing, gating, elevators, and way-finding, will function via solar panel generated electricity.

Starr Commonwealth – For renovation to facilities serving at-risk youth, City of Battle Creek

$900,000

This community-based program is intended to prevent repeat offenses and out-of-home placement. An expansion in housing will significantly expand the day treatment program to accommodate youth referred by parents and teachers. Renovations to current facilities will allow Starr to triple program capacity for youth.

Volunteers of America Michigan – For expansion of housing shelters and community access to medicl, social, civic, and economic, services, City of Lansing

$400,000

The VOA of MI is the primary resource for the homeless of mid-MI. They have secured an appropriate building through a negotiated property trade and have made partnerships in the community to facilitate services at that location.

Contact:
Levin Press Office: 202-228-3685
Stabenow Press Office: 202-224-4822