Via Michigan Department of Transportation —

Jan. 13 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today awarded federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) grants for eight projects in seven Michigan counties, including the West Bloomfield Trail.

The project includes trail surfacing, roadway crossings, benches, trash receptacles, and trail shoulder restoration with native plant materials. The project budget is $1,111,692, including $611,431 in federal TE funds and $500,261 from West Bloomfield Township Parks and Recreation.

The projects as a whole will construct 8 miles of bicycle path and paved shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians and make streetscape improvements to four downtown areas, improving business districts by enhancing safety, walkability, aesthetics, and community and economic development.

"These projects improve quality of life and have positive, long-term effects on a community," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "MDOT is pleased to partner on transportation enhancement projects that will help Michigan communities attract residents and businesses." 

Under federal law, 10 percent of federal surface transportation funds are set aside for TE projects. Administered by MDOT, the grants enable communities to invest in projects such as streetscapes and nonmotorized trails. TE funds provide a maximum of 80 percent of the money required for each project, with the remainder coming from state and local government and the private sector.