LANSING -State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) voted to help pass a plan today that will invest $635 million in the state’s economy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including $3.5 million for improvements to I-96 in Ingham 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.

“Anyone who makes that drive along I-96 knows that it, along with many other roads and bridges around the state, is in need of repair, and this money will put Michigan men and women to work without costing taxpayers a dime,” said Senator Whitmer. “Better roads will improve travel between the communities where we work and live, and increase access to the surrounding towns, improving the economy of the whole area.”

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 $3.5 million for HMA coldmill and resurfacing on I-96 from Meridian Road to M-52. 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.

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