LANSING - Today Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) voted to approve a plan that will invest $635 million in the state’s economy-including $850,000 for portions of Macomb County- through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 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.

“Michigan needs these funds to not only help revitalize our economy, but also to rebuild our infrastructure,” said Olshove. “Improvements to our roads and bridges have been long overdue and with these funds we can hire Michigan workers to rebuild our infrastructure and make our state a better place to live.”

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.

Some of the approved projects include:

• $425,000 for the mill and resurfacing of I-94 East bound

• $425,000 for the mill and resurfacing of I-94 West bound

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. If this additional funding is approved, a $15 million project for slope restoration and a single face barrier will take place on I-696 from I-75 to Hayes.

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