OHM Michigan Stimulus 09

ARRA Marks 10,000th Highway Project

2009-12-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

From Infrastructure Solutions
Submitted by Jenelle Isaacson on Mon, 2009-12-28 09:57

Reaching a major milestone, the Federal Highway Administration has approved 10,000 highway projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“What better way to cap off the year than with 10,000 highway and bridge projects putting people back to work, strengthening the economy, and making travel safer for everyone,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Of the $26.6 billion available for highway projects through the Recovery Act, $21.8 billion has been obligated to 10,000 projects nationwide – of which 6,092 highway projects are underway.

Construction on some of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects is just beginning, such as the Caldecott Tunnel in San Francisco, which is set to start construction in early January. At $257 million, this project, which relies on $192.4 million in ARRA funds, is one of the largest ARRA projects in the nation.

Several other major projects have recently begun construction, including:

I-215 Widening Project in San Bernardino and I-405 Widening in Los Angeles.

US19/SR 55 Interchange reconstruction in Clearwater, Fla.

I-405 “Braids” in Bellevue, Wash.

To date, the DOT has approved more than 11,300 transportation projects, worth $32.1 billion in Recovery Act funding, of which 7,600 projects are currently underway. In January, the DOT is set to announce $8 billion in grants for high-speed rail and $1.5 billion under the TIGER Discretionary Grants program, which will spur job creation as major national projects get underway.
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Photo by Stunt of the Litter|Flickr|Creative Commons License

Stimulus Water Projects Delayed By "Buy American" Rules

2009-10-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Bloomberg News (8/6, Drajem) reports that due to the stimulus programs "Buy American" rules, "Contractors are searching the U.S. in vain for filters as well as bolts and manhole covers needed to build wastewater plants, sewers and water pipes financed by the economic stimulus. As officials wait for federal waivers to buy those goods outside the U.S., water projects from Maine to Kansas have been delayed." General Electric Co. makes water filters in Canada. The stimulus fund includes "$6 billion for municipal water projects."

Go Blue Nets a lot of Green: $100M in Stimulus Funding for University of Michigan

2009-09-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

Concentrate, 9/23/2009
A lot of federal stimulus money is starting to roll into the University of Michigan, and more is on the horizon.

The university just passed the $100 million mark last week for federal stimulus money, which is up nearly $40 million in a little over a month. And a lot more federal stimulus research grants are expected to migrate into university coffers.

"They just keep rolling in," says Jim Erickson, senior public relations officer for the University of Michigan. "Every couple days they come in.

Most of this money is coming from the stimulus money cache of the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. One of the bigger grants is $19.5 million for a new U-M research center to explore new materials for solar cells.

More money is expected to come in throughout the rest of the year. Just how much is possible is unknown at the time, but Erickson guesses it will be a lot.

"We had a lot of faculty aggressively pursuing these [funds] Erickson says.

Source: Jim Erickson, senior public relations officer for the University of Michigan
Writer: Jon Zemke

Whew! EPA Eases Stimulus 'Buy American' Rule

2009-09-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Water Technology Online (08/10/09)

Under a nationwide waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the "buy American" rule in the stimulus package will be eased somewhat for "de minimis incidental components" of eligible water infrastructure projects receiving stimulus funding. These could include the "thousands of miscellaneous, generally low-cost components that are essential for, but incidental to, the construction and are incorporated into the physical structure of the project, such as nuts, bolts, other fasteners, tubing, gaskets, etc," EPA said. The components covered by the waiver can "cumulatively comprise no more than a total of 5 percent of the total cost of the materials used in and incorporated into a project."

High Speed Rail? Not So Fast, Says Samuelson

2009-09-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

Back on August 5th, we shared news about Michigan's Governor Granholm joining forces with seven other Govs of midwestern states to finance a regional high speed rail system. Here's an article from the Washington Post (8/24)that demonstrates considerably less enthusiasm for the project:

Samuelson Skeptical About High Speed Rail Plans.
In a column for the Washington Post (8/24), Robert J. Samuelson writes, "The Obama administration's enthusiasm for high-speed rail is a dispiriting example of government's inability to learn from past mistakes. Since 1971, the federal government has poured almost $35 billion in subsidies into Amtrak with few public benefits." According to Samuelson, "What's mainly being provided is subsidized transportation for a small sliver of the population. In a country where 140 million people go to work every day, Amtrak has 78,000 daily passengers. A typical trip is subsidized by about $50." The Obama administration "promises fabulous benefits," as "high-speed rail 'will loosen the congestion suffocating our highways and skyways.'" But "There's only one catch: The vision is a mirage," says Samuelson. "The costs of high-speed rail would be huge, and the public benefits meager," he concludes.

$20 Million for DBE Bonding Assistance

2009-08-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

From Roads & Bridges Executive News Summary
August 31, 2009

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $20 million in recovery funds to create the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Bonding Assistance Program, an initiative that will help small and disadvantaged businesses better compete for work on transportation projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Through this new program, which will be administered by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), small and disadvantaged businesses can apply to be reimbursed for bonding premiums and fees incurred when competing for, or performing on, transportation infrastructure projects funded by ARRA. The program will be especially helpful for businesses with traditionally less working capital than larger contractors.

Read the rest of the article.

Michigan Part of the Midwest Eight

2009-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Midwestern Governors Create High-Speed Rail Partnership

The Detroit News (7/28, Hornbeck) reports Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm "was among the governors to sign an agreement today setting up an eight-state partnership to work toward financing a regional high-speed rail plan for the Midwest. The system, which includes a Detroit-Pontiac-Chicago line, would connect cities across the region with frequent, high-speed and conventional inter-city rail service." The group "will coordinate the states' application for a share of the $8 billion in federal stimulus cash for rail projects."

What led to the spirit of cooperation among the states? According to The Infrastructurist's Daily Dig blogpost on July 17, there have been 278 applications to US DOT for stimulus funding for high speed rail projects. Read more about stimulus and high speed rail at: http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/07/17/the-daily-dig-high-speed-rail-edition-10/

$12 Billion to Stimulate Community Colleges

2009-07-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

From American School & University:

$12 billion proposal would boost community colleges
Jul 20, 2009 2:39 PM

From The New York Times: The Obama administration is proposing to spend $12 billion to bolster the nation’s network of community colleges. Most of the funding would go toward programs enticing community colleges to do more to lift graduation rates and better prepare students for jobs. Some would go to the modernizing of facilities as well, and some to the development of an Internet curriculum available to students everywhere.

SIDEBAR: Obama's community college proposal is widely seen by educators as explicit recognition of the two-year colleges’ importance to the economy.

Working in the built environment, we're keenly interested in how these dollars will be spent to modernize facilities, but lifting graduation rates contributes to our mission: Advancing Communities. Especially here in Michigan. What's your best idea to increase graduation rates from community colleges?

MDOT Spends ARRA $S Ahead of Schedule

2009-07-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

From our friends at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan:

MDOT Celebrates Meeting 120 day ARRA deadline
50% of transportation funds obligated 3-weeks ahead of schedule - 7/10/2009

A small celebration took place last week with MDOT employees and industry partners to show appreciation for those involved in meeting the deadline to obligate funds for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) projects three weeks ahead of the June 29 deadline imposed by federal legislation. MDOT has obligated $296.5 million of ARRA funds for Michigan projects.

"This investment will result in approximately 8,800 jobs, including 1,800 construction jobs, 1,200 construction-related jobs, 1,300 supporting industry jobs and 4,500 indirect jobs," Steudle said. "We also have obligated $36.2 million in local projects to date. Michigan workers are getting a real bounce from Recovery Act funding."

ACEC members were among those thanked by MDOT Director Kirk Steudle for assisting in the hard work necessary to meet the deadline.

A recent report from AASHTO indicates that all state departments of transportation have succeeded in meeting the deadline for obligating half of their economic recovery funds.

http://www.acecmi.org/article.cfm?ATID=4&AID=153

U.S. Has Only Spent 1 Percent of Transportation Stimulus

2009-06-30T07:29:00.001-07:00

Reuters (06/17/09) ; Lambert, Lisa

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that only about 1 percent of the $15 billion transportation stimulus money has been spent so far, but the industry says this is not an indication of a slowdown. Associated General Contractors of America spokesman Brian Turmail says, "The federal funds don't go out until, literally, the states hand in the receipts for the project at the time it's done, or at least an identified phase of the project is done. It's a better measure of projects completed, or phases of projects completed ... than of work under way currently." Nearly all of the $5 billion for airports is obligated now, although not all the projects have been completed. Meanwhile, President Obama has promised to speed up the flow of money from the stimulus to state governments, although making this happen will depend largely on the states. "Every state Department of Transportation has gotten the message to streamline wherever possible," says Tony Dorsey, spokesman for the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "We have to be prudent, we have to be wise, but we have to be urgent."
(http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN1732906920090617)

Stimulus for Planning in OH?

2009-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a news story about stimulus spending plans our neighboring state. It presents an interesting choice - should a state be able to spend its stimulus dollars on planning, which might have a greater long term impact on the state and its economy than immediate effect of a construction project? Anyone know whether FHWA approved the planning projects? We'll try to find out and post the information.

Ohio Wants To Use Millions From Stimulus For Planning.
The AP (4/13, Leingang) reports, "Ohio wants to spend $57 million in federal stimulus money on highway projects that won't begin for years," in a move that the article calls "an unusual strategy for money that President Barack Obama said should be used to give the economy an immediate job-creating jolt." The AP notes, "Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and the state's transportation officials passed over some ready-to-go construction projects and steered about 7 percent of their $774 million share for planning and preliminary studies," infuriating "some local leaders who hoped the money would build even more new bridges or resurface roads in the cash-strapped state." A spokeswoman for the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) said the agency "has no other examples of states using stimulus money for planning," and that it "hasn't approved Ohio's request." The FHA "has to review the projects to ensure that they are eligible."

What Will You Do with Your $2 Billion?

2009-06-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

Biden announces $2 billion bond program for Michigan public, private sectors

Source: Detroit Free Press June 15, 2009

Michigan's ailing, auto-dependent economy got a big boost Friday from the U.S. government, which offered to help back $2 billion in bonds for local communities. The money could be used to fix roads and infrastructure, closed auto plants, public facilities or help private developers create jobs, among other things.

The U.S. Treasury will pay 45% of the interest costs on the bonds, which will save communities millions of dollars.

The program, announced by Vice President Joe Biden in Kalamazoo, would designate Michigan with 8% of the national program’s $25 billion, granting it more money per capita for local projects than any other state. Detroit, Wayne and Oakland counties would be among the top 10 recipients in the nation.

Oakland County is eligible for $104 million for public works projects, some of which could go to road projects. Doug Smith, director of economic development, said those would most likely be tied to redevelopment. Oakland is eligible for an additional $155 million to assist private-sector development as well.

The new program could generate $196 million for Wayne County and $125 million for the city of Detroit.

Macomb County stands to raise $115 million from the new stimulus plan, and most of that appears headed to fixing roads, said Commissioner Jim Carabelli (R-Shelby Township). He said possible repaving projects are:
15 miles between Mound and Maple Lane;
14 miles from Mound to Van Dyke; and
14 miles from Gratiot to Harper.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm also joined Biden in Kalamazoo to hype a $48 million construction project on I-94, paid for from the state’s $7 billion in federal stimulus money, most of which is already locked in for road repairs, schools and universities.

No Stimulus for You

2009-06-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

From American School & University Magazine www.amug.com

States with limits on charter schools may lose out on federal grants
Jun 9, 2009 1:53 PM

News release: U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan says that states that do not have public charter laws or put artificial caps on the growth of charter schools will jeopardize their chances of receiving grants from the $4.35 billion Race to the Top Fund, a program created as part of the federal economic stimulus package. President Obama has called upon states to encourage the expansion of charter schools. But 10 states do not have laws allowing public charter schools, and in the 40 states that do allow charters, 26 have caps on the number of public charter schools.

Michigan Obligates Nearly $300 Million Ahead of Schedule

2009-06-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Michigan Building but Also Cutting Road Work

Source: MDOT, Detroit Free Press June 5, 2009

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has obligated $296.5 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects three weeks ahead of the June 29 deadline imposed by federal legislation. By meeting the federal deadline, Michigan is now eligible to receive any ARRA funding redistributed from other states.

"This is great news for Michigan workers and Michigan taxpayers," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. "We are rebuilding Michigan infrastructure while putting Michigan men and women back to work."

"This investment will result in approximately 8,800 jobs, including 1,800 construction jobs, 1,200 construction-related jobs, 1,300 supporting industry jobs and 4,500 indirect jobs," State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said. "We also have obligated $36.2 million in local projects to date. Michigan workers are getting a real bounce from Recovery Act funding."

On March 31, 2009, Granholm signed legislation authorizing Michigan to spend $873 million in ARRA highway funding. The bill allowed the state to invest $635.4 million on state trunk lines (U.S., interstate and Michigan routes) with $211.8 million directed to programs administered by local jurisdictions and $25.8 million for rural and intercity bus capital projects.

MDOT also has submitted $13 million in ARRA-funded rural transit projects to the Federal Transit Administration, placing the state on track to meet the Sept. 1 federal deadline for obligating half of the rural and intercity transit projects.

The $296.5 million in highway funding is the first use of almost $7 billion in ARRA dollars allocated for Michigan.

On the other hand, MDOT told a committee of lawmakers that it would have to cut 137 road projects over the next five years because of declining revenues, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The road and bridge preservation projects would cost the state $740 million, but because of declines in gas-tax receipts and other revenues, the state faces a deficit of $102 million, according to MDOT Government Affairs Director Ron DeCook. “This means we will not be able to match about $576 million in federal funds in 2011,” said DeCook, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Stimulated? Michigan is Showing No Signs

2009-06-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Free Press Driving Columnist Matt Helms posted the following story to paper's website on June 4, 2009.

State to cut 137 road projects

The Michigan Department of Transportation plans to cut 137 roadwork projects off the books over the next five years because of declining revenues to pay for construction.

MDOT Director Kirk Steudle told a committee of lawmakers this week that the department will be forced to cancel $740 million in road and bridge preservation projects and other roadwork. MDOT blames longstanding declines in gas taxes and other revenues that will reach a critical point in less than two years.

“We’re facing approximately a $102-million shortfall in state revenue,” MDOT Governmental Affairs Director Ron DeCook said late this morning. “This means we will not be able to match about $576 million in federal funds in 2011.”

Granholm Says Recovery Act Funding for Michigan Surpassed $3.8 Billion in First 90 Days

2009-05-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) has resulted in more than $3.8 billion in funding for Michigan projects and priorities in the 90 days since President Obama signed the act into law.

A new feature on the state's web site lists all funding recipients in each of Michigan's 83 counties at www.michigan.gov/recovery

"The Recovery Act provides Michigan cities, counties, and small towns the opportunity to create jobs by investing in our infrastructure, supporting educational opportunities, and expanding training for workers," said Granholm. "In addition, this funding is helping to ensure that our citizens are protected in this time of severe economic challenges through additional social safety-net programs and tax cuts for working families."

Since the Recovery Act became law, the state of Michigan has received more than $3.6 billion in funding allocations, local governments and agencies have received $228 million directly, and tribal governments have been allocated almost $7 million. The allocations represent more than 50 specific funding streams to more than 1,700 local recipients. Michigan allocations include:

- more than $1 billion for transportation infrastructure, including funds for highways and bridges, transit systems, airport improvements, and Amtrak;
- $931 million for education, including Title I funding to support education for at-risk students and IDEA funding for special education services;
- $464 million in additional support for Medicaid;
- $302 million to upgrade public sewer and drinking water infrastructure;
- $243 million for weatherization assistance;
- $236 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects;
- $183 million for expanded worker training; and
- $67 million for state and local law enforcement agencies to strengthen crime- fighting services

"Citizens in every county of our state are beginning to feel the benefits from Recovery Act funds," said Leslee Fritz, director of the Michigan Economic Recovery Office. "In the days ahead, we'll see additional funding creating more jobs and providing more services to those in need."

In addition to the new county funding map, Fritz highlighted several key features of the state's recovery web site, including an overview of more than five dozen competitive grants that could provide the state, local communities, schools, nonprofits and others with the opportunity for significant additional funding and an overview of the tax cuts and policy changes included in the law that are already benefiting millions of Michigan citizens. Some of those benefits include:

- a $400 Making Work Pay tax cut benefiting more than 3.7 million Michigan workers since April 1;
- a $25-per-week increase in unemployment benefits helping more than 500,000 unemployed Michigan citizens since March 26;
- a 13.6 percent benefit increase for more than 1.3 million Michigan citizens currently receiving food assistance; and
- a $250 economic recovery payment is now being sent to more than 2 million Michigan seniors, retirees and the disabled. The one-time payment is for any resident receiving Social Security, SSI or veterans or railroad retiree benefits.

State Submits Request for $1.5 Billion in State Fiscal Stabilization Funds to Support Education.

2009-05-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, May 21, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm submitted the state of Michigan's official request for funding through State Fiscal Stabilization Funds under the Recovery Act. The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund is provided to help states mitigate budget cuts for K-12, higher education and other state programs and will help Michigan schools avoid program cuts and retain teachers.
Michigan expects to receive more than $1.5 billion from this fund.

For a PDF of Michigan's State Fiscal Stabilization Fund request, click here.

Michigan One of 8 States Seeking Stimulus $ for High-Speed Rail

2009-04-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

By MICHAEL TARM/The Associated Press
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CHICAGO -- Eight Midwestern states hope to secure federal stimulus money for a network of faster passenger trains with Chicago as its hub - joining forces to boost their chances of getting a cut of $8 billion set aside for high-speed rail.

The governors, including Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, said Wednesday they sent a joint letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking him to support the initiative.

Longtime proponents of high-speed rail welcomed the show of unity, saying it should help as states vie for the federal stimulus dollars. California and New York are among those competing for the funds.

"Getting eight governors to agree where to go to lunch is a challenge, so them agreeing on priority corridors is very good news," said Kevin Brubaker of the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Chicago. "We'll still be competing with other states, but at least we're competing on the same team rather than against each other."

A spokesman for Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, who also signed the letter, agreed.

"If there's a unified presentation, it will present a stronger case for us using some of these funds," Scott Holste said.

The multistate appeal comes days before the White House is expected to release further details about the kinds of projects that would qualify for the billions marked for high-speed trains.

The governors' proposal, dubbed the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative and first conceived a decade ago, focuses on upgrading three existing routes by 2014 _ one between Chicago and St. Louis, one between Chicago and Madison, Wis., via Milwaukee and one between Chicago and Pontiac, Mich., through Detroit.

Improvements to tracks and equipment on those routes should enable trains to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour, according to the governors' letter, dated Friday. Currently, the top speed of trains on the Chicago-St. Louis corridor is just under 80 mph.

Later phases of the project would improve other lines, including a route between St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo.

Neither the letter nor a statement from Nixon's office specifies how much of the $8 billion the states want, though they do estimate that the project's first phase would cost $3.5 billion.

Other governors who signed the letter are Mitch Daniels of Indiana, Chet Culver of Iowa, Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Ted Strickland of Ohio and Jim Doyle of Wisconsin. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley also signed.

Washington Post Reports Most Stimulus Funding Being Distributed Gradually

2009-04-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

In a front-page article, the Washington Post (4/10, A1, MacGillis) reports, "Some of the money" from the stimulus package "is arriving quickly, and in big chunks." But "in most cases,...the money is working its way into the system far more gradually as officials strive to meet not only existing guidelines for programs receiving aid but also reporting requirements that have been added to make sure that stimulus funding is spent as intended and to account for the jobs it creates."

Click on this post's title for the full story.

ARRA Transportation Projects

2009-04-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

From SEMCOG's website posted April 6, 2009

Proposed Improvements to the Transportation System in Southeast Michigan.

Follow the link for a pdf list of projects in SEMCOG's region. ARRA Transportation Projects List - Southeast Michigan.

$76 Million in Stimulus Money to Improve Energy Efficiency

2009-04-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Published on 03/24/09
Deb Price / The Detroit News

WASHINGTON -- Michigan will receive more than $76 million for state and local efforts that improve energy efficiency the White House announced Thursday.

The grants will come out of the $787 billion economic recovery package signed by President Barack Obama last month.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Mueller of the U.S. Department of Energy said the money can be used for things such as auditing buildings to reduce their energy consumption or replacing traditional traffic lights with LED alternatives that last longer.

"The funds must be used to implement strategies to reduce fossil fuels emissions, decrease total energy use and improve energy efficiency in all sectors," Mueller said.

The state's energy department will receive $19.6 million. Detroit is in line for nearly $9 million.

Nationally, $3.2 billion will be invested in energy efficiency and conservation projects.

"These investments will save taxpayer dollars and create jobs in communities around the country," Vice President Joe Biden said.

"Local leaders will have the flexibility in how they put these resources to work -- but we will hold them accountable for making the investments quickly and wisely to spur the local economy and cut energy use."

The money in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program can be used for conducting energy audits and energy efficiency retrofits in residential and commercial buildings, developing and putting into place advanced building codes and inspections, and creating financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements, the White House said.

Other examples include transportation programs that conserve energy and projects that reduce and capture methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

As part of the White House effort to ensure money is used properly, the Department of Energy will require those receiving the money to detail how many jobs were created and how much energy was saved.

"The Block Grants are a major investment in energy solutions that will strengthen America's economy and create jobs at the local level," Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu said.

"The funding will be used for the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable energy technologies we have -- energy efficiency and conservation -- which can be deployed immediately. The grants also empower local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long term clean energy and climate goals," Chu added.

Money breakdown
A list of how much energy-efficiency funding Michigan's cities and counties are receiving in the package:

Michigan's total take, $76,601,500
Michigan State Energy Office, $19,599,600
Cities
Ann Arbor, $1,243,400
Battle Creek, $545,100
Bloomfield, $169,500
Canton, $754,100
Chesterfield, $181,100
Clinton Township, $894,600
Commerce, $151,000
Dearborn, $970,800
Dearborn Heights, $477,700
Detroit, $8,862,400
East Lansing, $213,200
Farmington Hills, $791,300
Flint, $1,147,900
Georgetown, $176,100
Grand Rapids, $1,938,000
Grand Blanc, $143,600
Kalamazoo, $762,200
Kentwood, $217,900
Lansing, $1,192,000
Lincoln Park, $145,500
Livonia, $971,100
Macomb Township, $610,200
Meridian, $162,000
Midland, $195,200
Muskegon, $181,600
Novi, $533,100
Pontiac, $683,800
Portage, $204,700
Redford, $188,000
Rochester Hills, $642,700
Roseville, $198,600
Royal Oak, $543,400
Saginaw, $566,200
Saginaw Township, $166,800
Shelby Township, $651,200
Southfield, $875,700
St. Clair Shores, $544,000
Sterling Heights, $1,203,800
Taylor, $596,000
Troy, $921,100
Warren, $1,358,600
Waterford, $641,400
West Bloomfield, $571,800
Westland, $731,100
Wyoming, $683,100
Ypsilanti, $484,400
Counties
Genesee, $2,629,000
Jackson, $687,500
Kent, $2,796,700
Livingston, $740,400
Macomb, $746,400
Oakland, $4,879,700

Governor Granholm Signs Legislation Authorizing $873 Million in Road Projects

2009-04-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Federal recovery funding will create 25,000 jobs, help revitalize economy

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation authorizing Michigan to spend $873 million of federal recovery money on hundreds of road and transit projects across the state that will create approximately 25,000 jobs.

With Governor Granholm, left to right:
MDOT Director Kirk Steudle
State Senator Glenn Anderson
State Representative Lee Gonzales
Mike Nystrom, Vice President of Government and Public Relations for Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association
State Senator Bill Hardiman
Dennis H. Gillow, Treasurer, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324
House Speaker Pro Tem Pam Byrnes

"This legislation gives the green light to hundreds of projects that will put thousands of Michigan citizens to work within weeks, doing the vital work of improving our crumbling roads and bridges all across the state," Granholm said. "It was essential to get this legislation passed in time for construction season, and I want to thank our legislators for moving so fast. Pumping this federal money into the state's economy quickly will help accomplish our goal of using it to accelerate our own recovery plan for Michigan."

The legislation authorized Michigan to spend $873 million in money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for a range of "shovel-ready" projects such as road-resurfacing, rehabilitation and widening, bridge rehabilitation, and transportation enhancement projects. The projects were chosen by planners, engineers, and local leaders and cover every region of the state.

The bill allows spending of a total of $873 million for Michigan transportation, with $635.4 million directed to the state trunkline (US, I and M routes) fund, $211.8 million directed to programs administered by local jurisdictions, and $25.8 million directed to rural and intercity bus capital projects.

Just a few examples of projects include repair of 11 bridges over I-96 in Detroit ($22 million), reconstruction and widening of I-96 in Kent County ($30 million), and road reconstruction and bridge work on I-475 in Genesee County ($26 million).

The spending is the first use of Michigan's share of about $7 billion in federal recovery money that the state will invest in accelerating its own recovery plan. It is in addition to approximately $980 million the state is spending on transportation funding this year, which will create more than 27,000 additional jobs.

"These recovery projects will allow Michigan construction workers to keep working in Michigan," said state Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "It is also a shot in the arm for our transportation system. Although this won't meet all our state's long-term transportation needs, it's a huge step toward making our roads and bridges safer for our citizens and visitors and attracting new employers."

Legislature Passes Supplemental Appropriations Bills to Secure Federal Stimulus Dollars

2009-04-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

From ACEC/Michigan website http://www.acec-mi.org/article.cfm?ATID=1&AID=134

Passage of HB 4582 allows Michigan to capture $873 billion in Federal transportation dollars, long-term funding still a serious issue for the state - 3/27/2009

On Thursday, the legislature passed necessary legislation to allow Michigan to receive and spend dollars contained in the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for highway and bridge projects.

It was encouraging to see the legislature act quickly to allow the dollars to start flowing. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been working overtime to select the projects and ensure a fair distribution across the state. Director Steudle and his staff are to be commended for their diligence in preparing projects for letting.

It was interesting watching legislators reviewing project lists and lobbying for transportation projects in their districts. Why then can't they act to ensure long-term funding for our transportation infrastructure? The one-time Federal stimulus dollars do very little to change the trend of declining pavement conditions. The Transportation Funding Task Force Report delivered in November 2008 to the legislature is sitting somewhere on the shelf as our roads continue to deteriorate. Here we are approaching April and no bill has been introduced.

Legislators have to understand that investment in Michigan's infrastructure will help to put people back to work, attract and keep business in Michigan, and keep us from losing billions in Federal dollars.

Simulus Funds to Create up to 23,000 Jobs in Michigan

2009-03-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Detroit Free Press - March 14. When it comes to creating jobs in Michigan, the nearly $800-billion federal economic-stimulus package is expected to significantly help one industry in particular: the state's long-suffering construction companies and their workers.

Under the spending plan, Michigan is expected to receive about $850 million for projects designed to fix or improve its roads, highways and bridges. The timing couldn't be better. Thanks to the severe downturn in the state's construction industry, there are more than enough workers to fill the 20,000 to 23,000 jobs expected to be created.

About 17,350 unionized laborers, carpenters, operating engineers and bricklayers and finishers are out of work in Michigan, in addition to a similar number of nonunion workers in these fields, according to Glenn Bukoski, vice president of engineering services for the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, the state's construction trade group.

The unemployment rate for these professions is about 40%, he said. In an economy that only seems to be getting worse, construction companies could badly use the work.

"We're excited it's going to happen," said Bob Adcock, executive vice president at Angelo Iafrate Construction Co. in Warren. His company and other construction firms have endured a softening in their business in recent years as state spending on roads and bridges has declined.

"It's not a total answer for the funding problems in Michigan," said Vance Johnson, president of Central Asphalt Inc. in Mt. Pleasant. "But it will put a Band-Aid on it for a year or two."

The state Legislature still needs to authorize the $850 million in spending, and all of the transportation projects must be competitively bid. Early April would be the earliest that any projects could get under way.

Those firms that win the work aren't expected to encounter any worker shortages. The state shed 25,100 construction jobs last year alone, a 16% decline. Construction accounted for 23% of the 56,000 Michigan jobs that were eliminated in 2008.

From December 2000 to December 2008, the construction industry lost 69,500 jobs, about a third of its workforce, according to data from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. However, the loss pales compared with the 333,500 jobs that have disappeared in the state's manufacturing sector.

Altogether, the economic-stimulus plan is supposed to create or save 109,000 jobs in Michigan, but so far there are few details on where else besides construction these jobs will come from.

Construction-related unions in southeastern Michigan have long lists of unemployed members eager for work.

"A lot of guys are still working, but their hours are down," said William Bass, business manager of Pontiac-based Local 1076 of the Michigan Laborers Union. "We're always ready to go."

Bill Shreck, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the projects should help Michigan retain its pool of skilled construction workers until the economy recovers.

"We don't need these folks picking up and going to other areas," he said.

Contact KATHERINE YUNG at kyung@freepress.com.

Roads will be Michigan's first big stimulus test

2009-03-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

The first test of how much squabbling Michigan lawmakers will do over federal stimulus money is likely to come this month, when decisions will be made on where road funds should go.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration in the coming weeks plans to send the Legislature a road funding bill covering the first wave of roughly $625 million in state road projects.
The state has less than 120 days to commit to the first set of projects under terms of the federal law aimed at helping to pull the nation out of recession. Both Democrats and Republicans say they want to get the road money out the door.

FIRST TEST: Michigan lawmakers have yet to weigh in on any major spending decisions related to the federal stimulus package. That likely will change this month when they are asked to approve a list of road projects funded through the federal recovery act.

PROJECT LIST: The final list of projects is expected to worth about $625 million.

NEXT STEP: The road funding has raised some concerns but is likely to get approved relatively quickly. After that, debate over stimulus priorities could become more heated between Republicans who run the Senate and Democrats who run the House.

But tensions already are rising, with some west Michigan Republicans worried their districts are getting shortchanged on a preliminary list of projects.
"Some of the membership has been concerned that maybe some of the projects will flow more toward the Democratic-side districts than the Republican," said Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jud Gilbert, R-Algonac.

Gilbert wants to work with the Michigan Department of Transportation to make sure a fair, balanced list is created before it's put to a vote.

"We need to do this in a way that has the least friction as possible," he said.
MDOT has a list of possible road projects worth about $732 million. The list will be whittled down to the amount of available money, roughly $625 million. Lawmakers' suggestions and concerns will be considered as cuts are made, MDOT Director Kirk Steudle said.
Projects that don't make the first cut could be submitted for stimulus funding later. Steudle expects Michigan eventually will get more road money because a few other states won't meet the strict guidelines necessary to get all of their allocations.
Most of Michigan's stimulus road money likely will be spent preserving existing roads. About $155 million would be spent on expansion projects.

Even if lawmakers get on board quickly with the road projects, fights could surface over the rest of Michigan's stimulus money if different philosophies over how it should be used create gridlock.
Some Republicans, for instance, have suggested using stimulus money to start phasing out a 22 percent surcharge on Michigan's main business tax, saying it would spark job creation. But Democrats, including Granholm, say such a move isn't allowed under terms of the federal law.
"We have to follow the rules that are set forth by the recovery act," Granholm said last week. "There is not a statute that says you should be putting money into a rainy day fund or putting money into additional tax cuts. Those tax cut battles were waged at the federal level."
The Republican-controlled Senate has set up a special appropriations subcommittee to deal specifically with stimulus money. The Senate is expected to act quickly on the road money.
But Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop says it may be better to wait until after state economists provide an updated report on Michigan's budget problems in May before more stimulus money is spent.

Democrats say existing appropriations committees can handle the recovery act spending bills. Sen. Michael Switalski, D-Roseville, says a special committee could "create more talking and less working" on stimulus bills, creating delays.
Bishop says his intent is not to delay stimulus spending but rather to make sure it's done wisely.

by Tim Martin The Associated Press

Federal funds will add up to 76 volunteers to state

2009-03-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan will receive $966,875 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) for Michigan's AmeriCorps program, allowing Michigan organizations to put up to 76 additional AmeriCorps members to work weatherizing homes, tutoring students, and helping Michigan citizens access adequate housing and health care.

"The enthusiasm and hard work of these AmeriCorps members will bring positive change to communities all over Michigan," said Granholm. "Whether tutoring children, making homes more energy efficient, or teaching job skills, these volunteers will provide much-needed help to Michigan families struggling to make ends meet in these tough economic times."

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the nation's largest grant-maker supporting service and volunteering. Recovery Act funds will flow from CNCS to the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), an agency of the Michigan Department of Human Services, which will select specific Michigan programs that will benefit from the additional AmeriCorps volunteers. Only current AmeriCorps grantee organizations are eligible for the additional Recovery Act funds. The MCSC expects many new Michigan AmeriCorps members will begin their service as early as June 2009.

Read More

Education Stimulus Funds to States in 30 to 45 Days

2009-03-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

$49 billion more available in six months

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan [March 7] announced that $44 billion in stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be available to states in the next 30 to 45 days. The first round of funding will help avert hundreds of thousands of estimated teacher layoffs in schools and school districts while driving crucial education improvements, reforms, and results for students.

Read the press release http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/03/03072009.html

Granholm Announces Sewer, Drinking Water Projects Eligible to Receive Recovery Funds

2009-03-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Deadline for 2010 funding requests approaching

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that communities that submitted sewer and drinking water infrastructure projects last spring and summer in anticipation of receiving low-interest loans for repairs this year will be among the first eligible to receive funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The ARRA is expected to provide $168.5 million and $67.5 million respectively for sewer upgrades and drinking water improvements in Michigan this year.

The governor also noted that communities that would like to have their drinking water or sewer projects added to the state's 2010 priority project list have until May 1 and July 1, respectively, to submit their applications. "Federal economic recovery funding will provide an additional boost to Michigan's ongoing efforts to upgrade the infrastructure in communities across the state over the next two years," said Granholm. "By getting these projects off the ground, we are protecting our citizens and our environment while putting Michigan workers back on the job."

The federal recovery program requires states to allocate these funds for projects on the state's priority project list. In Michigan, the process is handled through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) program for sewer projects and the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) for drinking water projects. These existing programs annually provide low-interest loans to communities across the state for infrastructure projects.

Recovery funds will be distributed in the form of principal loan forgiveness, allowing the state to allocate money through its traditional loan program with recipients required to repay only a percentage of the original loan amount. For communities receiving the funding, it is the equivalent of receiving a grant for that portion of the project.

Projects that were submitted last year and are currently on the Fiscal Year 2009 priority list will be eligible to receive an equitable share of 75 percent of the available ARRA funds in both the SRF and DWRF programs. The projects on this list are the projects in Michigan that have been carefully reviewed and will be shovel-ready once all contract requirements are met and funding is made available.

The remaining 25 percent of the funding is being held for projects that are or become eligible for funding in the first quarter of FY 2010.
Governor Granholm noted the ARRA requirement that 20 percent of the funding be spent on "green" projects, and while Michigan has eligible "green" DWRF projects already on the priority list, it will be seeking additional SRF projects that meet the "green" criteria under the act. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance on what is considered a "green" project is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/water/eparecovery/

"This funding is not the solution to all our infrastructure needs, but it's a tremendous help not only for these communities but for those looking to create jobs and improve their systems in the near future," said Granholm. "While it is a one-time source of money, it will ultimately aid our efforts to revitalize our communities and our economy for years to come."

The Department of Environmental Quality will work with eligible communities to finalize contract requirements required by the ARRA. Projects receiving funding must comply with the federal Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements as well as requirements that all the steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in the project be produced in the United States.

Preliminary Conference Agreement Stimulus Allocations

2009-02-27T05:24:00.000-08:00

This memo desribes the Stimulus provisions. The last page of the memo is a table of Michigan's expected allocation for each provision category.
Download Allocations

SEMCOG

2009-02-20T05:08:00.000-08:00

This is the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) conference report.

Topics:

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
All funds appropriated are available for obligation until September 30, 2010.

Enactment of this Act will have no effect on funds under the 2009 CR (PL 110-329) and is addition to amounts otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year involved.

Bill is set up and funding designated as an emergency requirement to meet emergency needs.

All applicable provisions in this Act are designated as an emergency for purposes of pay-as-you-go principles.

Download NARC Report

Where is Your Money Going?

2009-02-19T13:09:00.000-08:00

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act targets investments towards key areas that will save or create good jobs immediately, while also laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. The charts and numbers below give you an idea of where the money is going.

Recovery.gov

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

2009-02-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

Governor Granholm has identified five key priorities for spending Michigan's share of the economic recovery dollars. We will:

Create new jobs and jumpstart Michigan's economy;
Train Michigan workers and educate Michigan students for the good jobs here today, and the new jobs we create tomorrow;
Rebuild Michigan infrastructure -- roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, mass transit, broadband, health information technology, and schools;
Provide assistance for struggling Michigan families, helping them make ends meet.
Invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies to create jobs, save money, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Download Plan Overview

Download ARRA Summary

Download Impact for Michigan

Download Issue Areas

Summary of Final Package

2009-02-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Gale Govaere, Regional Representative in the Detroit
Office of U.S. Senator Carl Levin shared this summary of the final version of the 2009 Stimulus Bill, just signed by President Obama on February 17.

Download Package Details

Let the economic stimulus money flow, but keep an eye on it

2009-02-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

Ron Dzwonkowski, February 16, 2009, http://www.freep.com/

According to the Federal Funds Information for States, Michigan will rank eighth in stimulus spending, consistent with our place on the population chart, but obviously not adjusted for our nation-leading unemployment or the wrenching changes in the auto industry. The biggest chunk will be largely invisible, $2.27 billion going into the Medicaid system of health care for the poor. But using it there will protect state tax dollars from being cut elsewhere.

At a glance, using a FFIS list reported today by Lansing’s Gongwer News Service, here are some of the stimulus items I can see making a difference:

$1.3 billion for "fiscal stabilization" for education — could prevent cuts in state support for schools and universities.

$845 million for highways and bridges — work will get done that would have been years away, but this is no long-term fix for the road money shortfall.

$279 million for weatherization — puts people to work, saves energy costs next winter.

$101 million for local law enforcement grants — keeping cops on the beat, maybe even hiring some more.

$58 million for child care — should free up single moms to go to school or work.

$14 million for employment services — assuming this means helping people find work who have maybe never had to look before.

$3 million for elderly nutrition — You always hear that children are our most important natural resource. No argument there. But let’s not forget that the elderly are our greatest national treasure.

Education, arts take budget hits Granholm hopes to make up cuts with stimulus money

2009-02-16T06:27:00.000-08:00

LANSING - Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Thursday called for eliminating 1,500 state jobs, closing prisons, and cutting money for education and the arts.
Local educators and members of the arts community say the cuts mean they will face serious budget-cutting decisions of their own in the coming weeks and months.
School districts may be asked to absorb a $59 per-pupil cut in state spending for the next academic year. Schools now get at least $7,316 per pupil. Combined with cuts in other education areas, the $13.4 billion being spent on school aid this year would be reduced by $164 million.
Universities would see a 3 percent cut of $100 million, while community colleges would not face any cuts.
Granholm said she hopes to use the federal stimulus money to make up the cuts in education. Details on how that would work aren't nailed down because Congress hasn't taken the final votes on the stimulus legislation backed by President Barack Obama.
But for universities to get any stimulus money, they would have to agree to freeze tuition for the 2009-10 academic year.
The University of Michigan would lose nearly $10 million in state funding under the Granholm plan. In a statement, U-M Provost Teresa Sullivan said the campus might have to delay or rethink some programs and projects as it braces for fiscal challenges over the next several years.
"In setting budget priorities, protecting the university's academic mission - including recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members - is at the forefront of our decision-making,'' said Sullivan. "Making U-M accessible to students also is one of our top priorities.''
Cynthia Wilbanks, U-M vice president for government relations, said it's too soon to say whether U-M can freeze tuition. "I think it's going to be a tough year,'' she said. "There's no question about it.''
Eastern Michigan University would have to take "drastic actions'' to absorb the cut in state funding and freeze tuition, said EMU President Susan Martin. Those two sources of money make up the bulk of the operating budget. They also pay for financial aid.
"We appreciate the position that the state is in,'' said Martin. "But we also believe that Michigan's citizens expect Michigan universities to step up and provide an affordable education.''
The news of the cuts for K-12 school districts comes as they prepare budgets for next school year. Now, they are going to have to figure out how to deal with a hole in this school year's budget.
"Ypsilanti Public Schools realized a student increase in the fall and the February count, while unaudited, is looking favorable,'' said district spokeswoman Emma Jackson. "Yet, the governor's plan will be a blow to our district to the tune of over $220,000, making an already challenging situation even more difficult.''
Most local school district don't have much left in rainy-day accounts to absorb such changes, yet those accounts will have to be tapped to make up for the shortfall, area finance directors said.
In Ann Arbor, a $59 per-pupil cut in state aid means a loss of over $900,000.
Granholm's proposal would eliminate funding for state arts grants, which would affect more than a dozen local organizations, among them the University Musical Society, the Ann Arbor Art Center and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. State funds promised to Washtenaw County for this fiscal year total $566,800, said Tamara Real, director of the Ann Arbor-based Arts Alliance.
"The arts have been a convenient whipping boy,'' she said. "I think it's unfortunate the governor has chosen that route.''
Russell B. Collins, executive director of the nonprofit Michigan Theater, which has $52,000 in state funding for this fiscal year, said losing further state money could mean scaling back or eliminating family or educational outreach programs.
"That is our single largest cash grant,'' Collins said. "In terms of the total budget (of $2.34 million) it's a relatively small amount, but it will definitely cause cuts.'' The theater has already eliminated some jobs this year.
The state cuts come as Michigan faces a roughly $1.4 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year. The stimulus package could reduce some of the pain, but state budget Director Bob Emerson said the budget proposal assumes only $500 million in 2009-10 spending from the federal money, all of it going to cover a higher number of people getting health care through Medicaid.
Granholm said her proposal would "take a big stab'' at eliminating the $900 million structural deficit by the end of 2010. She said the rest of the shortfall comes from tax revenues temporarily depressed by the national recession, so it's OK to use the federal stimulus package to fill some of the hole.
Granholm plans to asks for $28 million in concessions from state employees in the next budget year on top of a pay freeze they had this year. She also proposed raising $230 million through higher fees and the elimination of some tax breaks.
But Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ron Jelinek, R-Three Rivers, said the state should be cutting more rather than relying on the stimulus package.
The Associated Press and News staff reporters Dave Gershman, David Jesse and Roger LeLievre contributed to this report.

ohm-advisors.com

Latest on ed dollars in stimulus package

2009-02-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

Latest on ed dollars in stimulus package
by Julie Mack -mlive.com
Thursday February 12, 2009, 4:32 PM

The House version of the bill had $79 billion to help states plug the holes in their education budgets; the Senate version reduced that to $39 billion. The compromise bill split the difference and ended up at $54 billion. But House money for school construction remained on the cutting-room floor.

ohm-advisors.com

Design-Build for Shovel-Ready Projects

2009-02-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

A quick guide about Design-Build projects and
why Design-Build is best suited for the economic stimulus initiative.

Fast track delivery

Schedule reduction

Budget control

Minimize client involvement

Download Design / Build

ohm-advisors.com

A Comparison of the Stimulus Bill Provisions

2009-02-16T05:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a Comparison of the Stimulus Bill Provisions as of Wednesday, February 11, 2009 form the CQToday.

We will be posting updates to this as we get them, so check back often.

Download Comparison

ohm-advisors.com

Panel Presentations

2009-02-13T06:22:00.000-08:00

Frederick E. Zorn, Jr., CEcD
Deputy City Administrator - City of Southfield

Topic: Community Development Block Grants and Other Stimulus Distribution Channels
Download Presentation
______________________________________________

Gale Govaere
Regional Representative - Office of U.S. Senator Carl Levin

Topic: The Federal Earmark Process
Download Presentation

______________________________________________

ohm-advisors.com

OHM Lunch & Learn Stimulus 2009

2009-02-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

The Lunch & Learn is over - what now? What’s new this week?

OHM has setup this blog to help answer those questions and more. We will be updating this with topics, information and discussions on how the 2009 Stimulus package affects you.

Stay tuned. We're just getting started...

ohm-advisors.com