Novi, Southfield, and Troy Get Transportation Alternatives Program Grants
(SEMCOG, May 6, 2024)
Novi, Southfield, Troy, MI- SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, has awarded $4,405,104 in Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for seven projects for FY25. Funding is currently available and communities are encouraged to apply for FY2026-2028 projects.
“Creating a transportation system that provides access for everyone begins with safety,” said Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of SEMCOG. “Each of these projects will make a significant difference in the ability of all people, especially those who walk or bike, to reach their destinations with greater comfort and safety,” noted O’Leary.
Funding addresses multiple transportation priorities in Southeast Michigan
TAP projects are transportation-related improvements to roadways, local streets, and corridors. Most often, they address mobility options through new or enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. This includes things such as pathways, bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings. These projects improve the existing transportation system, while providing safe new options to help people connect to transit, regional trails, and core service destinations. TAP can also fund green infrastructure projects that mitigate environmental concerns from the road network.
The following seven TAP projects support the policies and recommendations included in SEMCOG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Plan for Southeast Michigan and recently adopted Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Plan. These projects also enable each community to implement local solutions, meeting the needs of both residents and visitors.
FY 2025 TAP projects
Macomb County
Community: City of Roseville
Project description: A streetscape modernization project along the west side of Gratiot Avenue, between Martin and Victor Road, enhancing the sidewalks for people with disabilities and better connecting to transit.
Award: $727,576
Oakland County
Community: City of Troy
Project description: 1.5 miles of facilities comprised of shared-use paths and sidewalks, filling in three major gaps within the city’s bicycle and pedestrian network.
Award: $1,685,670
Community: City of Novi
Project description: A shared-use pathway and boardwalk connecting the city’s ITC trail network to Bosco Fields and Beck Road.
Award: $578,897
Community: City of Southfield
Project description: A shared-use pathway along Nine Mile Road, between Evergreen Road and Southfield Road.
Award: $533,648
St. Clair County
Community: City of St. Clair
Project description: A sidewalk gap filling project along Cox Road from Clinton Avenue to Vine Street, connecting residents to St. Clair High School.
Award: $246,740
Wayne County
Community: City of Wyandotte
Project description: A sidewalk modernization project within the downtown area, which directly connects to the Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way.
Award: $462,473
Community: City of Harper Woods
Project description: A sidewalk modernization project consisting of approximately 20 locations, sporadically throughout the city.
Award: $170,100
All seven projects address the transportation safety and accessibility needs of people walking and biking. They are noteworthy as they also meet SEMCOG’s target of sidewalk and shared-use path modernization—a target that helps the region address its aging infrastructure, while increasing transportation equity. Each of these projects, while local in nature, also help move our region forward.
“We needed this! WalkSafe Wyandotte would never be possible without SEMCOG TAP Grant Funds. Downtown Wyandotte has been thriving with new growth and development. More businesses and families are calling Wyandotte home which is helping to solidify our vibrant and charming town. But this has placed a great strain on our physical environment and distressed an already challenged streetscape,” said Joe Gruber, City of Wyandotte DDA and Community and Economic Development Director. “This project is multifaceted – pedestrian safety and security, sustainable infrastructure, and economic development all wrapped into one – and we’re grateful that SEMCOG has shared in our vision and sense of urgency,” said Gruber.
“The City of Roseville is grateful to receive the TAP Grant funding from SEMCOG. This will help us improve our Downtown Development Authority’s overall appearance and accessibility,” said Ryan Monroe, City of Roseville Manager and Police Commissioner. “Our DDA is located at the intersection of Gratiot Ave and Utica Road and is often referred to as the Historic Utica Junction. The TAP grant will modernize our historic downtown area while ensuring retention of its historic elegance,” said Monroe.
“The sidewalk will help provide a safe way for children to get to school,” said Bill Cedar, City of St. Clair Mayor.
“The City of Troy continues to find creative ways to increase walkability and mobility throughout our community, connecting sidewalks on major roads, expanding pedestrian crossings for safety and ease, and doing all we can to recognize the important needs of our residents who travel by foot or bicycle,” said Ethan Baker, City of Troy Mayor. “We are thankful to SEMCOG for supporting these important projects in Troy, and for the tireless work they do for our entire region,” said Baker.
“The City of Southfield is pleased to partner with the adjacent communities of Farmington, Farmington Hills, Oak Park, Ferndale, and Hazel Park to embark on the ambitious Nine Mile Road Greenway Corridor project,” said Dr. Ken Siver, City of Southfield Mayor. “We are also greatly appreciative of the generous financial support provided by the SEMCOG Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding to help enable these important pathway projects that will greatly increase our collective connectivity and community placemaking efforts,” said Siver.
Notice of Additional Funding for FY 2026, 2027, and 2028
SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee is currently considering additional projects for future fiscal years. Interested applicants should reach out to SEMCOG staff to discuss potential projects and ensure they meet eligibility and competitiveness criteria. Additional information can be found on SEMCOG’s TAP webpage. Applicants should utilize SEMCOG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Maps and the Green Infrastructure webpage to demonstrate how their project meets SEMCOG’s competitiveness criteria. SEMCOG has a shared rolling application deadline with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Applications that are submitted by one of those deadlines can expect a funding decision approximately five months later. The next application deadlines are June 19, 2024 and October 9, 2024.
