The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) announced this week that $86 million of federal funds will go to road and transit agencies throughout its seven-county region through 2023, with an eye on improving air quality and relieving congestion.
The funds come from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program and will specifically apply between 2021 and 2023. SEMCOG acts as the region’s administrator for CMAQ funds, working with eligible agencies to create projects that best meet its twin goals.
“By investing in transit service, reducing traffic congestion, and improving commuter choices, our region will see improved air quality and quality of life,” Kathleen Lomako, executive director of SEMCOG, said.
Selected projects consist of everything from education to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Some of the efforts include $4 million for new buses for the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, $3.53 million to replace buses for the Blue Water Area Transit Commission, and $23.54 million for traffic signal modernization, bus replacement, and traffic operations center for the City of Detroit and Detroit Department of Transportation.