LANSING - Today Detroit area Senators voted with their colleagues and approved a $635 million investment in the state’s economy. The federal funds will come through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and will be used to put people back to work repairing and upgrading Detroit area roads, bridges, and highways.

“I am very pleased that the Senate has acted quickly and decisively on these federally-funded road projects,” said Senator Irma Clark-Coleman (D-Detroit), a member of the Senate Appropriations Federal Stimulus Oversight Committee. “Repairing our roads will help put people back to work and stimulate economic activity in our communities.”

Funding is determined by a formula used for the distribution of all federal funds. To meet the criteria, Michigan transportation projects must be ready to go within 120 days, be eligible for federal aid, and be approved through the federal aid process. Distribution within the state is determined by population, where the dollars will have the most impact in creating jobs, and where the greatest need for infrastructure improvements exists.

“The approval and distribution of these funds kills two birds with one stone-it gets people back on the job while also addressing the much-needed infrastructure improvements that city-goers have continued to call for,” said Sen. Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit), Senate Minority Floor Leader. “This is just the jumpstart we need to start rebuilding and improving our economy and our community.”

“Today we came together in the Senate to do what is right for our cities and our state, which is spending stimulus road project funding where it is most needed,” said Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit). “I look forward to working as quickly as possible with my colleagues in distributing future stimulus money that comes to Michigan in order to improve our economy and give much needed assistance to Michigan workers, families, and businesses.”

The goal is to stimulate economic activity statewide, and to create as many jobs as possible. If projects are completed within a set frame of time, the state will be eligible for an additional $120 million in funding, which combined with the initial investments will create an estimated 25,000 jobs.

“These road projects for the 2nd Senate District couldn’t come at a better time to help create jobs and improve the business climate in my communities,” said Senator Scott. “I am glad to join my State Senate colleagues, and my President, in getting this money into our communities to improve Michigan for all of us.”

Some of the approved projects include:

• $22 million for deck replacement on a total of 11 bridges over I-96;

• $13 million for M-8 resurfacing from Oakland to Conant;

• $4.3 million for deck replacement on Joseph Campau and Goddard over M-8;

• More than $4 million for resurfacing M-39 between McNichols and M-153;

• And $1.7 million for the installation of an active speed system on I-94 eastbound and westbound at I-96.

“For too long, we have been seeing homes shuttered, buildings decay and roads and bridges fall into disrepair,” said Sen. Hansen Clarke. “This money will help repave our roads and replace our bridges to make the city a better place to work and live, and I will continue work to improve our roads and repair potholes that cost Detroit drivers so much money in car repairs.”

As the Detroit member of the Federal Stimulus Oversight Committee, Senator Clark-Coleman has information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding on her website. To read more about it go to: http://www.senate.mi.gov/clarkcoleman/enews.php.

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