From MDOT…

I-275 Bike Path Asset Management Study

You are invited to join MDOT and their consultants, Wilbur Smith Associates and Wade Trim, at an Open House to review and provide input on the draft results of the existing conditions analysis for the I-275 Bike Path that has recently been completed. This work is the first step in an overall analysis of what will be needed to allow this 40+ mile path to become an integral piece of the regions bicycle and pedestrian circulation system. Information will be available for individual reviews between 3 and 5 PM on January 30, 2008 in the Freedom Room on the lower level of the Canton Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center, Canton, Michigan. There will be a short presentation of the draft conclusions of the existing conditions analysis at 3:30 PM.

The project team is looking for local input and review of the draft conclusions before finalizing them and moving onto the development of improvement recommendations. The project team is also interested in hearing any suggestions you may have about trail improvements, possible connections, or other recommendations relating the reinvigoration of the I-275 Bike Path.

There will also be two evening public work session. The first will be the evening of January 30, 2008, also in the Freedom Room in Canton starting at 5:30 PM. The second will be in the Activity Room in Willow Metropark on January 31, 2008, starting at 6:30 PM.

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I just wanted to send a quick congratulations to the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) for hosting their first-ever trails conference on Tuesday in Traverse City. From what I saw and heard, it was a major sold-out success. I was especially pleased to see that the attendees included many trail stakeholders and experts who aren’t always directly involved with the MRPA.

One of the goals to come out of the conference was the need for supporting the DNR license plate fee proposal. Dr. Chuck Nelson delivered an great overview of the proposal and encouraged everyone to contact their legislators. This proposal needs grassroots support now more than ever.

If hikers and bikers are a truly threat to the Selfridge base then there are bigger problems than this proposed 2.5 mile trail.

From the Detroit News:

Selfridge Air National Guard base officials said Tuesday they will continue to evaluate plans for a pedestrian pathway along Lake St. Clair despite township officials’ concerns about security.

The township board on Monday night approved a resolution by a 4-3 vote urging Selfridge to take safety into consideration before approving any plans for a pathway.

Supervisor Anthony Forlini, who favors the path and voted against the resolution, said he was “disappointed” at the board’s action.

He said it is an opportunity to open up a long-closed stretch of waterfront for the benefit of township residents.

“It is a slap in the face of the residents,” Forlini said. “It is not for us to decide. It is up to the base to decide if we can do this safely.”

Read the complete Detroit News Article

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…)

Congratulations to M-DOT, the GreenWays Initiative, and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance for their award and much-deserved recognition from the Federal Highway Administration.

MDOT honored for leadership role in GreenWays Initiative in Southeast Michigan: “A 100-mile network of non-motorized trails and greenways in southeast Michigan has been honored by the Federal Highway Administration.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Kirk T. Steudle accepted the award for ‘exceptional environmental stewardship’ at the Nov. 29 State Transportation Commission meeting in Lansing. ‘This award reflects our commitment to making non-motorized trails available as a transportation mode,’ said Steudle. ‘Trails are a part of the transportation mix that is essential to protecting the health and well being of Michigan residents, and greenways contribute to enhancing quality of life.'”