GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is touring the state to share its latest updates with local communities.
Officials visited Gladstone on Thursday to detail operations in the Upper Peninsula. They also highlighted resources available to small businesses through MDOT.
“We have a Disadvantaged Enterprise Program, which is for individuals who own small businesses that can demonstrate how they’ve been disadvantaged or impacted outside of what might be a normal business experience,” explained MDOT spokesperson Ebony Alexander. “We have a Small Business Program for firms that just want to grow. They’ve had experience, and they just need an opportunity.”
MDOT has planned a major US-2 reconstruction project along Escanaba’s North Lincoln Road. Work is set to begin in the spring. To keep businesses in the impacted area running smoothly, Alexander says it is important for business owners to communicate with project managers and the public.
“My biggest advice is to not get discouraged but to stay connected, to reach out to resources, to let people know that they still have service and they still want to work with the community,” she said. “We want to keep the doors open to small businesses to let them know that MDOT is here and that we want to help.”
MDOT also discussed employment opportunities on upcoming projects, as well as its on-the-job training program.
