LANSING –Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) joined his Senate colleagues in approving a plan today that will invest $635 million in the state’s economy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including more than $10 million for projects in his district. These federal funds will put Michigan workers back on the job, making improvements to roads, bridges, and highways and pouring money back into the state’s struggling economy.

“We acted quickly to make sure this funding will help get people back to work right now, and just in time for the start of the construction season,” said Senator Basham. “These infrastructure improvements are long overdue, but will go a long way in improving our transportation routes, minimizing pollution and raising the quality of life in our neighboring communities, making Michigan a better place to work, live and raise a family.”

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 goal is to stimulate economic activity statewide, and to create as many jobs as possible.

The approved projects for Senate District 8 include:

• $3,225,131 for a sound wall on I-94 and Telegraph Road.
• $7,045,000 for Intelligent Transportation Systems device upgrades and improvements in the region.

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.

# # #