WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) successfully secured $1 million in federal funding to make major improvements and enhance the Michigan Avenue corridor which is a vital transportation thoroughfare in the Lansing area. This federal investment awarded to the City of Lansing was included in the bipartisan government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2022, which Peters and Stabenow helped pass out of the Senate last week. It was signed into law by President Biden.

“The Michigan Avenue corridor connects some of the Greater Lansing area’s most vital assets: from the state capitol – to Sparrow Health System – to Michigan State University,” said Senator Peters. “Thousands of people rely on this corridor to live, work, and commute each and every day. Supporting some of the incredible work to modernize this corridor will make travel in the region safer, easier and able to adapt for the future. I had the opportunity last year to see some of improvements made along Michigan Avenue and how federal help will help ease traffic movement along this important route. I’ll continue working to ensure this project is completed and that Michigan Avenue continues being an economic lifeline to the community.”

“Michigan Avenue is an iconic corridor in the region linking Michigan State University in East Lansing to our State Capitol in the City of Lansing,” said Senator Stabenow. “This investment will make critical upgrades and improvements to this important corridor and provide an economic boost to the region.” 

“Lansing is a vibrant city, and Michigan Avenue is one of our most visible corridors. We have a plan to work on the infrastructure and are investing in this area, and these dollars will be crucial to boost the excitement of the Capital City,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor (left). “It is urgent to bring these federal dollars back to Michigan, and these funds will make the needed upgrades and improvements for the City of Lansing. I greatly appreciate the hard work of Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow to fight for Lansing and Michigan, and for recognizing the importance of these improvements to Michigan Avenue.” 

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Peters’ and Senator Stabenow’s advocacy and to our national Congress for acknowledging the immense impact these funds will have on this backbone regional corridor,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) (left). “The Lansing region is one of the nation’s most prominent opportunities for future-focused mobility industry growth, including electric vehicle (EV) production and supply chain manufacturing. This investment in EV and autonomous vehicle infrastructure will accelerate our ability to support and leverage these advancements locally.”   

“Michigan Avenue links some of our region's most populous communities and economic assets, including downtown Lansing and East Lansing, the Capitol Complex, Sparrow Hospital, and Michigan State University,” said Jim Snell, executive director of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. “Efficient, multimodal access to these pillars in our region is crucial for the success of our urban core, and this funding will supplement the financial package we have assembled to rebuild one of the most significant transportation corridors in the Greater Lansing region. Thank you to Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow, and all community leaders in Michigan's capital region, for recognizing the magnitude of this investment into our infrastructure, and ultimately, quality of life and economy.” 

This federal investment will be used to enhance the Michigan Avenue corridor, including modernization of traffic signals and implementation of signal communications that will enable transit priority, enhance emergency vehicle pre-emption, special event timing plans as well as establish a framework to support autonomous and connected vehicles. Providing improved corridor infrastructure with better pedestrian and non-motorized access, combined with existing transit service, will help strengthen multimodal transportation options and stimulate commercial district revitalization, including the redevelopment of vacant properties by small businesses. 

The Michigan Avenue corridor sees approximately 20,000 drivers daily and is one of the most heavily used thoroughways in the region for transit – and includes a mixture of Lansing and regional residents that work, shop, eat, learn, and receive world-class healthcare along the corridor. Coupled with significant foot and public transportation traffic, the corridor serves as a connector for some of the region’s most critical assets, including the state capital, the Sparrow Health System, and Michigan State University. 

The enhancement of the Michigan Avenue corridor is among dozens of high-impact public local projects in Michigan that can benefit from federal assistance, which Peters and Stabenow successfully secured in the government funding bill. You can view a full list of these projects here. 

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