Last week, SEMCOG announced Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for 14 projects in the region, totaling over $6.4 million. Implementing these projects will bridge gaps and make vital connections throughout the region by providing and enhancing facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists.
2013 TAP project – Port Huron: Blue Water Riverwalk
There are 39 TAP-funded projects either completed or under construction in the region right now. While these projects have an immediate local impact, their real success is on the regional level – both economically and through improving our quality of life.
2013 TAP project – Monroe: North Dixie Highway Road Diet and Nonmotorized Connections
Successful TAP projects make vital connections to regional greenways and multi-use trails, revitalize some of the region’s most walkable and vibrant downtowns, and provide necessary safety improvements to both encourage and enhance the ability of residents to travel by foot or bike.
2013 TAP project – Detroit: West Vernor Streetscape and Pedestrian Lighting
These investments support the implementation of regional plans, including SEMCOG’s recently adopted green infrastructure and bicycle and pedestrian plans by offering transportation choices, promoting walkability, and improving quality of life in Southeast Michigan.
2013 TAP project – Ferndale: Livernois Complete Street
This year’s awards extend to all seven counties in Southeast Michigan. A few examples show the diversity in which TAP funds can be applied:
- Important gaps or extensions of Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail, which includes over 2,000 miles of trails, connecting hikers and bikers from Detroit to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula;
- Enhancements and necessary pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements for our region’s main streets and downtowns – including downtowns in Saline (Washtenaw County), Lake Orion and Ferndale (Oakland County), and Luna Pier (Monroe County); and
- A partnership between the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), in which TAP will assist in implementing 35 bike-share stations, 350 bikes, and related bike-share amenities extending connections through downtown, Midtown, New Center, Corktown, and other locations in greater Downtown Detroit.
This is the fourth year that SEMCOG has awarded TAP funds to projects that enhance the region’s multimodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options. If you’re interested in learning more about how TAP may be a potential funding source for a transportation project in your community, please contact SEMCOG.
2014 TAP project – Pittsfield Township: Lohr-Textile Greenway & Trail
The next call for TAP projects won’t be until early 2016. In the meantime, communities are strongly encouraged to contact and work with SEMCOG on aligning projects with regional priorities and meeting the eligibility criteria of TAP.
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