SEMCOG awards $14 million to local transit projects in southeast Michigan

With the apparent downfall of a regional transit system in southeast Michigan, it's more important than ever to find ways to fund transit initiatives. That's one reason why the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has awarded $14 million in transit and planning assistance to over 50 local projects as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). 

These projects cover the gamut in transit: "new bicycle facilities, multi-use paths, streetscape enhancements that improve pedestrian safety and connectivity, transportation-related green infrastructure, and projects encouraging students in grades K-8 to walk or bike to school."

"Walking and biking improvements implement regional planning priorities, offering transportation choices, promoting safety for all road users, and improving quality of life in Southeast Michigan," said Kathleen Lomako, executive director of SEMCOG.

Notable projects include: 
 

• The city of Detroit will receive $1,200,000 for non-motorized infrastructure improvements and $50,000 to develop and launch a bicycle and pedestrian safety education campaign, and to purchase and distribute safety materials
• $409,720 to Hamtramck for non-motorized improvements along Joseph Campau Avenue
• $336,030 to Highland Park for bike lanes along Hamilton Avenue
• $455,378 to Southfield for a shared-use path along Northwestern Highway
• Berkley, Detroit, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Oak Park, and Royal Oak will receive $495,380 for a multi-community bikeshare program
• $154,900 to Wayne County for an extension of the Rouge River Greenway

View all of the TAP funding projects here.