LANSING, Mich.—Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, joined Rep. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, Thursday in announcing a series of road repair projects throughout the Upper Peninsula, which was part of a statewide initiative announced by legislators and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The projects are funded by a grant from the Roads and Risk Reserve (RRR) Fund, which was created during the past budget year from general fund savings.
As part of the Fiscal Year 2014 general government budget, the Michigan Legislature created the RRR Fund, providing one-time general fund revenue for infrastructure investment. One-half of the funds, or $121 million, was available for appropriation on Oct. 1, 2013, with Casperson’s Senate District realizing nearly $7 million for infrastructure investment in the Upper Peninsula.
“The roads and infrastructure of Michigan are vital in connecting residents as well as businesses,” said Casperson. “I was happy to hear that these funds, which we strategically set aside, are being used for such a good purpose. As is evident by the roads that this money is directed to, there is a real need for this investment as many roads and highways in the Upper Peninsula are in a state of disrepair.”
The Upper Peninsula projects include:
$400,000 to repair Connors Road in Alger County;
$300,000 for Highway 44 in Alger County;
$225,000 for County Road 577 in Menominee County;
$300,000 for County Road 577 in Menominee County;
$775,000 for County Road 569 in Dickinson County;
$800,000 for County Road 498 in Schoolcraft County; and
$3,900,000 for repaving US 2 in Schoolcraft County.
This funding is in addition to $121.3 million from the state general fund used to fully match available federal transportation funds.
While Casperson offered praise for the work MDOT engineers put into identifying and selecting projects, and reaffirmed his commitment to working with Gov. Snyder’s office to identify long-term solutions to improving infrastructure, he singled out the work of the District’s 13 Road Commissions.
“We had 13 road commission agencies come together and selflessly decide on what the priority projects for this funding should be in the Upper Peninsula,” Casperson said. “It is an incredible testament to their professional commitment to serve our transportation needs in the Upper Peninsula in very challenging times, and I am, as each constituent in the 38th District should be, sincerely grateful for their efforts.”
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