MDOT recently announced their most recent Transporation Enhancement (TE) grants. TE money comes from the federal government and it requires a local matching from the grant recipient. TE grants are a major funding source for on-road and trail development.

In conjunction to the announcement, Governor Granholm added, “Michigan’s trails are gateways to recreation and tourism opportunities that grow our economy by attracting residents and visitors alike. Not only do they provide transportation and recreation options, but they make many areas of our state more livable and desirable places to do business.” (more…)

From MDOT. Note that this MDOT questionaire asks many questions relevant to cyclists. Please take the time to take it. Thanks!

Do you use the state map? MDOT wants to hear your opinions
Aug 07, 2007

August 7, 2007 – – Even with the growing popularity of Global Positioning System (GPS) units, most motorists carry a map in their glove box. And although yours may be years old, and folded over many times, you probably use your state transportation map often to find your way and discover the great attractions of Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites you to share your opinions about the state transportation map through a first-ever online questionnaire, available Aug. 6 through Sept. 7. To access the questionnaire, which takes a few minutes to complete, go to www.michigan.gov/mdot .

The questionnaire examines the features of the map, and how valuable those features are – – such as the mileage chart, location of state parks and hospitals and roadside parks – – and how you use the map.

“The state map is an exceptional value,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “We want to learn from the residents of Michigan and out-of-state travelers how they feel about the state map and how we can improve it. This feedback will be taken into account as we develop the 2008 state transportation map.”

For anyone without access to a computer, a questionnaire can be requested by calling 877-627-6368. Questionnaires also will be available at Michigan’s 13 welcome centers.

MDOT has published the state transportation map for nearly 90 years. It is printed every year and distributed free of charge at Michigan’s welcome centers and MDOT offices. This year, the map features the magnificent Mackinac Bridge, which celebrates 50 years of service in 2007.

The results of the questionnaire, which asks about 20 questions, will be shared this fall on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdot .

From MDOT…
June 26, 2007 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced the release of the state’s 2005-2030 long-range transportation plan (MI Transportation Plan). Two years in the making, the plan is based on an unprecedented amount of public input and guidance from Michigan business, government and customer stakeholders. More than 3,000 people attended public workshops and 2,600 submitted an online questionnaire, while another 3,300 households participated in a telephone survey to share their vision for Michigan’s transportation future.

“MI Transportation Plan will help determine how scarce resources, time and effort will be spent over the next 25 years to make important decisions about transportation choices,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “This plan is designed to strengthen the link between transportation and the economy now and well into the future. With input provided at every stage of the planning process, the plan is intelligent, inclusive, integrated, international, and socially, environmentally and economically responsible.”

“Michigan residents want more travel choices, and better connectivity between modes. We learned that there is a significant gap between the public’s expectations for transportation in Michigan and our ability to meet those expectations. That is a challenge for this decade and beyond,” he said.

The document was recently submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and is now available on the MDOT Web site at: www.michigan.gov/slrp

As you know, the state collects a fuel tax. That money gets divided among various groups, including counties, cities, and villages (but not townships.) Of this money, not less than 1% must be spent on non-motorized transportation. The City of Ferndale used their 1% to pay for their bike lanes, but not all communities spend their money that well.

One reason is the law considers the paving of gravel roads as a non-motorized project. This is where the Road Commission of Oakland County spends their 1%. They were surprised to hear that cyclists often prefer gravel roads.

In Lansing, HB 4555 was signed by the Governor yesterday. It removes the paving of gravel roads from the 1%, but allows the paving of shoulders. It also explicitly allows sidewalks in cities and villages, which the City of Royal Oak and others were already doing.

Another problem is MDOT doesn’t have the resources to audit this 1% requirement. Communities are required to submit 5-year programs, but there’s no enforcement or oversight.

I made the suggestion that the 1% expenditures be posted on the MDOT web site so cyclists can audit their local agencies. Unfortunately that did not make it into the bill, though it still could be done by either MDOT or a group like the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB). All the 1% expenditures are public, it’s just a matter of collecting them and making them readable.