SEMCOG is following the development of the stimulus package very closely. We are doing what we can do to ensure that our member local units of government and transportation agencies will be in the best possible situation to be able to spend as much money as Congress makes available through the stimulus program.
As we learn more about the stimulus program and as projects are funded, we will post that information on this page. SEMCOG members with questions regarding the stimulus package may contact Karen Wieber. We urge you to check back often.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act became law on February 17, 2009. It will be carried out with full transparency and accountability. The centerpiece of that is a new Web site — www.recovery.gov. In addition, the State of Michigan Office of the Governor has established a Michigan Recovery & Reinvestment Plan Web site — www.michigan.gov/recovery. We encourage you to visit these sites.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has created a Recovery Web page that provides information to businesses and communities on funding opportunities available to them through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
View the complete list of ARRA federal stimulus transportation projects.
View the map of ARRA federal stimulus transportation projects.
View ARRA Projects Certified for Obligation.
View additional ARRA Local Government Recovery Programs and Funding.
Posted June 24, 2009
Process, procedures for applying for $1.5 billion discretionary transportation funding (PDF)
Posted June 23, 2009
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) System
Notice of funding availability and issuance of interim project guidance (PDF)
Posted May 26, 2009
SEMCOG hosts U.S. Department of Energy and Michigan DELEG seminar of EECBG funding available for local governments
The U.S. Department of Energy and the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth sponsored a day-long seminar, held at SEMCOG's downtown Detroit offices, on Tuesday, May 26, 2009. The seminar examined job creation through effective use of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds. Opening remarks were made by Dr. Edward Montgomery, Director, White House Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.
Listen to the morning session of the seminar (MP3)
Listen to the afternoon session of the seminar (MP3)
Seminar introduction (MOV)
Dr. Edward Montgomery's opening remarks (MOV)
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (PPT)
EECBG Registration and Submission (PPT)
State EECBG Strategy (PPT)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: A Foundation for Our Energy Future (PPT)
State Energy Program (PPT)
Weatherization Assistance Program Creating Jobs in Michigan (PPT)
Posted May 19, 2009
$1.5 billion in discretionary grants will target major-impact transportation projects, job creation
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that $1.5 billion in discretionary grants from ARRA will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or metropolitan area and can create jobs and benefit economically distressed areas. The grants can range from $20 million up to $300 million to support high impact transportation projects. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood can waive the minimum grant requirement for beneficial projects in smaller cities, regions or states. The U.S. Department of Transportation will require rigorous economic justifications for projects over $100 million.
Read Department of Transportation news release.
Read the Federal Register notice.
Please note that the deadline to comment on the rules is June 1, 2009; deadline for applications is September 15, 2009.
Posted April 28, 2009
Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick's Resource Guide for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF)
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has been awarded $345,100 from the National Endowment for the Arts, to be distributed in Michigan for the purpose of restoring and retaining jobs in the arts and cultural sector due to the current economic downturn. Only organizations that received an award from MCACA for FY 2009 in the following programs are eligible to apply: Anchor Organization Program, Arts Projects Program, Local Art Agencies and Services Program, Arts and Learning Program and the Partnership Program. (Awardees in FY09 Capital Improvements and Regional Regranting Programs are not eligible for this program.) Deadline to apply is May 15, 2009. Visit http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-18833_18834-100437--,00.html to learn more.
Posted April 21, 2009
Rep. Sander Levin's message regarding the Community Resource Guide and Constituent Service Fact Sheets:
Our state and nation are facing the worst economic crisis in generations. 5 million jobs have been lost since the start of the Recession, the financial crisis has depleted retirement and savings accounts, credit is frozen for businesses and consumers, and our neighborhoods have been hard hit by the foreclosure crisis.
The President approved the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of a vital effort to jumpstart the economy, create jobs, help workers hurt by the economy, and make key investments to transform the economy. Michigan is estimated to receive $18 billion through Recovery package programs.
We have prepared the Community Resource Guide to assist local communities and community organizations evaluate their participation in Recovery programs. Through this document we will also track the impact of Recovery funds in Michigan. It is important that there be strict oversight, accountability and transparency as the Recovery package is implemented.
We have also prepared Constituent Service Fact Sheets to assist individuals with the programs that might assist them directly. For example, there is a new program to provide a COBRA Health care subsidy to unemployed workers.
Rep. Levin's Community Resource and Constituent Service Guide (External Link)
Posted April 16, 2009
Solicitation for Estuary Habitat Restoration Project Proposals
Congress has appropriated limited funds to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for implementation of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Program as authorized in Section 104 of the Estuary Restoration Act of 2000, Title I of the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Pub. L.
106–457) (accessible at http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/ERA/pages/Default.aspx). On behalf of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council, the Corps is soliciting proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects. Project Proposals are due on or before May 12, 2009. Find out more at http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/ERA/Pages/pps.aspx.
Posted April 14, 2009
Distribution amounts of the first $44 billion in education stimulus funds that went out two weeks ago
$32.6 billion (67%) of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF). This includes $26.6 billion to save teacher jobs and improve K-12 and higher education and $6 billion to pay for public safety and other government services (which may also involve education, such as K-12 and higher education facility modernization, renovation, and repair). Funds in this first round will be released within two weeks of receipt of an approved application from the governor. A second round of funds will be released later this year.
$5.0 billion (50%) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I, Part A grants to school districts.
$5.7 billion (50%) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B grants to states.
$200 million (50%) of the IDEA, Part B preschool grants.
$250 million (50%) of the IDEA, Part C grants for infants and families.
$270 million (50%) of vocational rehabilitation state grants.
$18.2 million (100%) of independent living services state grants.
$34.3 million (100%) of independent living services for older individuals who are blind.
Posted April 10, 2009
Web addresses for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
1. The U.S. Department of Education -- stimulus page is http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/index.html
Guidance and Facts Sheets now available for the Department of Education stimulus funds at www.ed.gov – top of the page. The Department has released a PowerPoint presentation on guidingprinciples and funding availability. The ARRA contains more than $100 billion in direct education funding for the next two fiscal years and $39 billion in bonding authority and tax credits. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/presentation/
2. Tax Credit Bond information released by Treasury and IRS – go to the following websites:
3. EducationCounsel (http://www.educationcounsel.com/) – Under what’s new has information and analysis about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
4. Education Recovery and Reinvestment Center (http://www.learningpt.org/recovery/ ), a one-stop for educators and policymakers to help them track developments and find current information on the ARRA, has been updated to include the new guidance released by the U.S. Department of Education. Fund Finder tool quickly calculates the amount of funds a school district will receive under Title I and IDEA . Also, a TQ Research and Policy Update is posted on the site that addresses The Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Opportunities and Strategies to Advance Teacher Effectiveness.
5. Resource website is http://www.nwrel.org/nwarra
6. Stimulus coverage from Ed Money Watch can be found here: http://www.newamerica.net/blog/topics/education-stimulus-0;
7. National Clearinghouse on Education Facilities -- Go to www.ncef.org for information on school construction and the Clearinghouse’s stimulus page is: http://www.ncef.org/school-modernization/
8. ED ARRA news by visiting www.ed.gov/recovery/ or by subscribing to the ED ARRA RSS feed at http://www.ed.gov/rss/arracomms.xml. If you are interested in other ED news and resources (in addition to the ARRA), subscribe to the ED RSS feed at http://www.ed.gov/rss/edgov.xml or track ED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/usedgov/.
9. White House information on the stimulus package – go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/White-House-Releases-State-by-State-Numbers-American-Recovery-and-Reinvestment-Act-to-Save-or-Create-35-Million-Jobs/
10. To obtain a copy of the bill go to: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.txt.pdf
11. To get a copy of the conference report: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_reports&docid=f:hr016.111.pdf
Posted April 9, 2009
MDOT seeks comments on ARRA projects for the State Transportation Improvement Program
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking comments from the public through May 2 on a proposed amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) list of projects for the 2008-2011 fiscal year. The project list is being amended to include the state's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects. The public is being asked to comment on a list of projects posted as ARRA Amendment 2 on the STIP page of the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/stip (http://www.michigan.gov/stip). The e-mail address for comments is MDOT-STIP-Comments@michigan.gov.
Federal government announces $39 million in block grants for 36 local governments in Southeast Michigan
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released the official list of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) formula-eligible communities and the amount of funds allocated to each. The list includes 30 Southeast Michigan cities and townships with a population greater than 35,000, as well as Livingston, Macomb, St. Clair, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. These communities should apply for their formula grants through FedConnect (https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/). Once at this site, click on “Search Public Opportunities & Awards,” then search for Reference Number DE-FOA-0000013. The deadline to apply for the formula grants is June 25, 2009. However, DOE strongly encourages applicants to submit well before this date.
Posted April 6, 2009
ARRA Transportation and Infrastructure Provisions Implementation Status as of March 27, 2009 (PDF)
Public Safety funding available using ARRA dollars under the: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance, Rural Law Enforcement, COPS, Office on Violence against Women, and Cyber Crime grants programs.
Posted March 20, 2009
SEMCOG list of transportation projects selected for funding using federal stimulus dollars (PDF)
Posted March 19, 2009
U.S. Economic Development Administration: $150 million in funds now available via ARRA to create jobs and boost development in areas hard hit by recession (External Link)
Posted March 17, 2009
Additional Information from the Federal Highway Administration (External Link)
MDOT seeks comments on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects for the State Transportation Improvement Program
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is seeking comments from the public on a proposed amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) list of projects for the 2008-2011 fiscal year. The project list will be amended to include the state's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects. The STIP is a requirement of federal legislation.
The STIP is prepared by MDOT in conjunction with local transportation agencies. It contains rural trunkline projects that meet state and local transportation goals and strategies for the four-year period.
Local urban and trunkline projects within the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) areas are also incorporated into a related document known as the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). These urban projects are available for review at the respective MPOs. The 13 MPOs are preparing ARRA amendments to project lists of local road, bridge and transit programs and state trunkline projects within their respective areas for 2008-2011 fiscal year. These plans are incorporated into the STIP by reference upon approval by the Federal Highway Administration.
MDOT is accepting public comment on the proposed ARRA amendment of STIP projects through April 11, 2009. E-mail your comments to MDOT at MDOT-STIP-Comments@michigan.gov (MDOT-STIP-Comments@michigan.gov).
MDOT has posted the list of STIP projects on the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/stip (http://www.michigan.gov/stip).
Contact: Bill Shreck, MDOT Director of Communications, 517-335-3084.
Web Conference: Economic Stimulus Update for Local Transportation Projects in Michigan
Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m. EST
The process for utilizing federal economic stimulus funds by local agencies in Michigan has been finalized. Michigan Department of Transportation representative Susan Richardson will provide the latest guidance on the process for local agencies receiving economic stimulus funds for transportation projects in Michigan. The conference will include a short presentation with background information on how economic stimulus funds will be distributed and the rules relating to their use on local transportation projects. Following the presentation there will be an extensive question and answer period.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the newest information and to ask questions about this important topic.
There is no cost to participants for this conference, but space is limited. Please register early to ensure participation.
PUBLIC AGENCIES WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH. STARTING MONDAY MARCH 23RD, PRIVATE COMPANIES CAN ALSO REGISTER FOR ANY REMAINING OPENINGS.
Because there are a limited number of connections, we encourage agencies that are in close proximity to view together.
TO REGISTER: E-mail ltap@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2102.
Posted March 11, 2009
Important Update from the Federal Highway Administration
Nearly $2 billion in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has already been deployed, with nearly three dozen states already certified and free to obligate ARRA funds. To help local governments better understand the rules for ARRA funding, deadlines, and reporting requirements, the Federal Highway Administration is offering three webinars geared specifically for local governments and associations. Below, please see dates and times for the sessions. Follow-up Q&A sessions are planned for March 24 and 31. We look forward to working with you, and encourage you to share this e-mail with your members — and with any of your colleagues, who have an interest in ARRA!
FHWA ARRA Local Government Sessions
Session 1: ARRA Guidance for Local Governments
March 12, 2 p.m. EDT
Register Now (External Link)
Session 2: ARRA Reporting Requirements
March 17, 2 p.m. EDT
Register Now (External Link)
Session 3: Title 23 Refresher for Local Governments
March 18, 2 p.m. EDT
Register Now (External Link)
Posted March 6, 2009
Guidance for Award of Recovery Act Funding to State Revolving Funds (PDF)
The federal registry notice for NOAA habitat restoration notice of funding availability (PDF)
Posted March 5, 2009
Summary of Federal Stimulus from Senator Stabenow 1 (PDF)
Summary of Federal Stimulus from Senator Stabenow 2 (PDF)
Summary of Federal Stimulus from Senator Stabenow 3 (PDF)
Summary of Stimulus for Local Governments (PDF)
SEMCOG Information: Important information about accessing your community's share of the $3.2 billion in economic stimulus funds available through the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program (PDF)
Map of Federal Aid Eligible Roads, Southeast Michigan (PDF)
Audio of SEMCOG University: The Federal Stimulus Package and Your Community: What you need to know (MP3)
Center for Environmental Excellence Federal Stimulus Update (External Link)
FHWA ARRA Implementing Guidance (External Link)
Posted February 20, 2009
Stimulus meeting with Governor Granholm, February 19, 2009:
- Part 1 — Welcome, overview, MDOT presentation, SEMCOG presentation (MOV)
- Part 2 — Governor Granholm's remarks (MOV)
- Part 3 — Questions & Answers (MOV)
- Audio of entire meeting (MP3)
Posted February 16, 2009
Appropriations and tax law changes from conference report on Stimulus Bill (PDF)
Summary of Stimulus Bill: HR Conference Report (PDF)
Final Conference Report - Appropriations (PDF)
Final Conference Report - Tax (PDF)
Posted February 13, 2009
Update on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Update from NARC
Posted February 11, 2009
Senate Passes $838 Billion Stimulus Bill; House-Senate Conference Committee Named (PDF)
Posted February 10, 2009
Stimulus Set to Pass Senate, Transportation Weekly (PDF)
Oakland County to Award Road Funds, Detroit News (PDF)
Posted February 3, 2009
Federal Transit Administration Economic Recovery Guidance (External Web Page)
Federal Highway Administration Economic Recovery Guidance (External Web Page)
Letter from Federal Transit Administration (PDF)
Posted January 30, 2009
House passes american recovery and reinvestment plan (External Web Page)
FAQs from State DOTs (PDF)
Posted January 29, 2009
House passes stimulus bill (PDF)
House adds $3 billion in transit funding to stimulus bill (PDF)
Posted January 28, 2009
Inventory template to submit stimulus package projects (xls)
Michigan Economic Recovery for Jobs Planning Team Mission Statement (PDF)
Posted January 27, 2009
Senate Appropriations Committee Highlights of Stimulus Plan (PDF)
Senate Stimulus Committee Markups - Transportation Weekly Update
Posted January 26, 2009
Letter from MDOT Director Kirk Steudle (PDF)
TIP Development Policies, 2009 (PDF)
Posted January 23, 2009
State by State Funding (PDF)
Update from the Governor: 1-22-09 (PDF)
Memo from the Governor: 1-20-09 - Federal Economic Recovery Bill (PDF)
House Appropriations Clears $550 Billion Spending Package (PDF)
Posted January 16, 2009
Letter from Michigan Congressional Delegation: Transportation Stimulus Formula (PDF)
Summary of Washington Meetings on Federal Stimulus Package
