ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Upper Peninsula transportation authority is receiving almost $6 million in State funds to expand its services.
Through the Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced $65 million in awards to support transformational public transportation projects across Michigan. As part of last year’s nearly $2 billion Sustainable Road Funding Plan, the investments are designed to create or expand transit systems, restore service in communities that have lost access to public transportation, and improve regional connections.
“From rural to urban communities across the state, these investments will help expand vital public transit services and get people where they need to go,” Governor Whitmer said. “As part of my plan to fix the damn roads, we’re expanding and improving public transit with new funding and a new role in state government. Today’s announcement will strengthen regional mobility and support innovative transportation solutions, all while helping more Michiganders access jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity.”
The Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA) is one of 18 agencies to be awarded funding. DATA will receive $5,986,407 for the Delta County Mobility Transformation Initiative. The announcement comes roughly two months after Delta County voters approved a ballot proposal for .689 mills to allow DATA to extend its operations to include every township in the county. The millage is also on track to enable the Transit Authority to offer earlier rides on weekdays, extend Friday service to 2 a.m., and add Saturday service from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
In addition, Governor Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation will be creating a new position to help coordinate transit and rail operations.
