Compagnie de Saint Gobain : Gov. Whitmer announces transportation economic development grants that will improve South Townline Road in Otsego County and Eastlake Road in Manistee County

Contact:
Michael Leon, TEDF Program Manager, Office of Economic Development, 517-241-2568
Agency:Transportation

January 23, 2020 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is awarding state Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category F grants of $357,093 to the Otsego County Road Commission (OCRC) to improve South Townline Road and $375,000 to the Manistee County Road Commission (MCRC) to improve Eastlake Road.

'Fixing Michigan's roads will help us keep families safe, attract businesses, and grow our economy,' said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 'I'm proud that we're rolling up our sleeves and getting to work in Otsego and Manistee counties, and I will continue working hard to ensure every Michigander can drive to work and drop their kids at school safely, without blowing a tire or cracking a windshield.'

Otsego County's South Townline Road in Bagley Township is part of an important commercial bypass around the city of Gaylord. Heavy industrial and commercial traffic have deteriorated the road and the pavement is in poor condition. To preserve the road's all-season status, OCRC will resurface South Townline Road from Milbocker Road to M-32 West.

The total cost of construction is $476,126, including $357,093 in Category F funds and $119,033 from OCRC.

Eastlake Road in Manistee County's Stronach Township is part of an important all-season commercial route connecting US-31 with M-55. The road serves several large industrial businesses located on Manistee Lake. Years of heavy use have deteriorated the road and the pavement is nearing the end of its useful life. To preserve the road's all-season capability, MCRC will mill and resurface Eastlake Road from 4th Avenue (Stronach Road) to M-55.

The total cost of construction is $860,000, including $375,000 in Category F funds and $485,000 from MCRC.

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.

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.