Agencies get funds to improve air quality, reduce congestion

DETROIT (AP) - Road and transit agencies across southeastern Michigan have been awarded a total of $86 million to improve air quality and reduce congestion.

The federal funding for the seven-county region is part of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, according to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.

The Detroit-based agency administers the program for the region and works with eligible road and transit agencies to develop projects that maximize improvements to air quality.

The funding includes about $23 million to Detroit and its transportation department for traffic operations, modernization of traffic signals and bus replacement; $4 million to the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority for new buses; and about $3.5 million to the Blue Water Area Transit Commission to replace older buses.

Oakland County also will receive $12 million for transportation operations, traffic signal interconnects and camera installation.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments supports coordinated local planning with technical, data and intergovernmental resources. It serves Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Published: Fri, Jan 24, 2020