LANSING -State Senator Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) voted today for a plan that will invest $635 million in the state’s economy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including over $18 million for a project in Washtenaw County. 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.

“These projects will put people back to work immediately, make travel safer and more comfortable for commuters, and create a more attractive climate for businesses looking to relocate,” said Sen. Brater. “Our greatest priority is job creation, and these funds will create and sustain thousands of jobs across the state.”

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 legislation approved today includes $18.4 million for cold-milling and a 2-course hot mix asphalt application on I-94 from Freer to Parker. If projects throughout the state 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.

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