Supervisor Previti proudly accepted a SEMCOG TAP Grant for a Pedestrian Bridge over the Yates Drain along 26 Mile

Supervisor Previti proudly accepted a SEMCOG TAP Grant for a Pedestrian Bridge over the Yates Drain along 26 Mile

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More Positive Progress as Supervisor Sam Previti was Proud to represent Washington Township this afternoon March 23 at the Assembly of SEMCOG (South Eastern Michigan Council of Governments) to accept the TAP (Transportation Alternative Program) grant he has been applying for over 2 years to cover over $840K in costs for a 10’ wide Pedestrian Bridge over the Yates Drain along 26 Mile between Beaconsfield and Bedford Blvd to keep pedestrians safe from traffic. This project will begin in Summer 2023. Special Thanks to Chairman Supervisor Chris Barnett for leading this fine group and his help in securing these requested funds for our new pedestrian bridge. 
Romeo Village President Poznanski and myself represented northern Macomb County. #positiveprogress

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 "I am very excited about this positive progress for our community. This partnership with SEMCOG will help to ensure the safety of our residents," said Sam Previti, Washington Township Supervisor.

SEMCOG announces $5.6 million in funding awards for walking and biking projects in Southeast Michigan

Additional TAP funding for FY 24-26 available now!

SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has awarded $5,565,985 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for nine projects for Fiscal Years (FY) 2023-2025. SEMCOG will consider additional projects for FY 2024-2026 in summer 2023.

“Creating a transportation system that provides access for everyone begins with safety,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of SEMCOG. “Each of these projects will make a significant difference in the ability of all people, especially those who walk or bike, to reach their destinations with greater comfort and safety,” noted O'Leary.

Funding addresses multiple transportation priorities in Southeast Michigan

TAP projects are transportation-related improvements to roadways, local streets, and corridors. Most often, they address mobility options through new or enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This includes things such as pathways, bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings. These projects improve the existing transportation system, while providing safe new options to help people connect to transit, regional trails, and core service destinations. TAP can also fund green infrastructure projects that mitigate environmental concerns from the road network.

The following nine transformative TAP projects support the policies and recommendations included in SEMCOG’s  and upcoming Transportation Safety Plan. These projects also enable each community to implement local solutions, meeting the needs of both residents and visitors.

FY 2023-2025 TAP projects

Livingston County

Community: City of Brighton

Project description: Sidewalk Gap Improvements Connecting Neighborhoods to Downtown

Award: $329,560

Macomb County

Community: Washington Township

Project description: 26 Mile Road Pedestrian Bridge

Award: $840,492

Monroe County

Community: Erie Township

Project description: Downtown Erie Streetscape and Pedestrian Improvements

Award: $303,640

 
Oakland County

Community: City of Southfield

Project description: Beech Road Shared Use Pathway

Award: $735,697

St. Clair County

Community: City of Marine City

Project description: Bicycle Road Shared Use Pathway

Award: $188,311

Washtenaw County

Community: Pittsfield Township

Project description: State Road Corridor Non‐Motorized

Improvements

Award: $1,138,117

Wayne County

Community: City of Detroit

Project description: Rosa Parks Boulevard and W Jefferson Avenue Non-Motorized Improvements

Award: $1,471,097

Community: City of Dearborn Heights

Project description: Beech Daly Pedestrian Safety Crossing

Award: $113,308

Community: City of Ecorse

Project description: Southfield Road Sidewalk Improvements

Award: $435,722

Project relevance

Three projects in particular are noteworthy as the first that meet SEMCOG’s target of sidewalk and shared-use path modernization.

The projects in Erie Township, Ecorse, and Southfield replace sidewalks that have met the end of their natural life, contributing to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mobility hazards. The projects in Erie Township and Ecorse increase mobility in town center locations, supporting economic development.

'We are very grateful to receive funding from the SEMCOG TAP grant to finally bring our downtown beautification plans to fruition," said Kim Cousino, Erie Township Clerk. "Improving our downtown area has been at the forefront for five years, and we are thrilled to move forward with the process and project completion," said Cousino.

Southfield’s project replaces failing sidewalk with shared use paths. It also fills gaps along Beech Road, connecting residents to Nine Mile Road, one of Southeast Michigan's Bicycle and Pedestrian Regional Corridors.

“The City of Southfield is extremely pleased to receive SEMCOG TAP funds to help complete the Beech Road Shared Use Pathway linkage that will provide residents and visitors alike with a true wellness trail network,” commented Southfield Mayor Dr. Ken Siver. “These funds will go a long way in helping Southfield to provide a wonderful fitness and recreational amenity that can be enjoyed for many years to come!”

Four of the projects are focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety, helping to support a Safe System Approach. In Dearborn Heights, a new High-Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) beacon will be installed on Beach Daly Road, providing residents, particularly children, with a safe crossing to access parks and the local high school.

In the City of Brighton, new sidewalks will be installed on local collector roads, providing safe dedicated space, especially along blind turns.

In Washington Township, a new pedestrian bridge and sidewalk will be installed to fill a gap in the existing network, connecting equity populations to local core services and regional destinations.

"I am very excited about this positive progress for our community. This partnership with SEMCOG will help to ensure the safety of our residents," said Sam Previti, Washington Township Supervisor.

In Detroit, the entire intersection of West Jefferson and Rosa Parks will be redesigned to help people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving better access the new Ralph Wilson Park along the Detroit Riverfront.

“The City of Brighton has long had in our capital improvement plan the completion of several gaps in the otherwise contiguous sidewalks," said Brighton City Manager Gretchen M. Gomolka. "Closing these gaps will provide safe paths for pedestrians of all abilities and promote walkability within the city and neighboring townships. The City is thankful to SEMCOG for its TAP funding award to assist in meeting this goal,” said Gomolka.

The final two projects promote additional mobility, but in very different ways.

In Pittsfield Township, the growing State Road Corridor is creating more opportunities for employment. The construction of a shared use path will connect surrounding residents to the business district and provide connectivity to the Lohr-Textile Greenway. In a future phase, people will be able to cross I-94 to connect with the City of Ann Arbor’s network.

In Marine City, a new bike route system will connect residents with its downtown business district and the Bridge to Bay Trail. This bike route, comprised mostly of shared lane markings and bike lanes, is a great example of a cost effective approach to promoting greater mobility on more local and calmer streets.

Notice of Additional Funding for FY 2024, 2025, and 2026

SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee will consider additional projects this summer for future fiscal years. Interested applicants should reach out to  to discuss potential projects and ensure they meet upcoming application deadlines. Applicants should utilize  and the  to demonstrate how their project meets SEMCOG’s . SEMCOG has a shared rolling application deadline with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Applications that are submitted by one of those deadlines can expect a funding decision approximately five months later. The next application deadlines are June 21, 2023 and October 11, 2023.

Additional information is available on SEMCOG’s .