Saginaw County is going to see two new nonmotorized path improvements in 2012, thanks to a combination of local efforts, federal and state funding.
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Michigan Department of Transportation announced a list of seven counties that will be receiving federal Transportation Enhancement grants this year, and Saginaw is the only one with two projects.
The first one takes place in Thomas Township, where MDOT will build a 2.2-mile nonmotorized trail that connects the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail to Shields Drive. It will directly connect township residents to the trail network, and trail users to schools, libraries and shopping centers. It also provides a crossing at M-46. The total cost is $854,060, with $170,812 each coming from MDOT and the township, and the rest from federal funding.
The second project takes place in Saginaw and Kochville townships, and will mean the construction of a 2.5-mile nonmotorized path connecting Elmer Lange park to an existing trail at McCarty Road. It will follow parts of a Consumers Energy right-of-way. The cost is $802,099, with $162,703 coming from Saginaw Township, $117,960 from Kochville Township, and the rest from federal funding.
"These projects improve quality of life and have positive, long-term effects on a community," says State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle. "MDOT is pleased to partner on transportation enhancement projects that will help Michigan communities attract residents and businesses."
The other projects are in Allegan, Clinton, Kent, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. All together, the grants will fund eight miles of bicycle path and paved shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians, and make improvements to four downtown areas, focusing on safety, walkability and economic development.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Kirk Steudle, Michigan Department of Transportation
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