Local transit funding at risk: BCAT warned state funding to Takata will stop in about a year; county urged to lead regional planning

Pierre, speaking to the full board as a BCAT participant, said the county’s transit advisory group has confirmed language from the Michigan Department of Transportation that funding going directly to Takata is planned to stop in about one year and that MDOT has asked the county to take a lead role in regional transit development.

Pierre said BCAT is made up of four members of the commission plus staff (he named himself and a staff member Dan) and that BCAT has held at least one meeting with MDOT; he reported a tentative follow-up meeting with MDOT scheduled for next week and said the group is trying to get representatives from Takata and the city to join. He called the timeline “fast” and said, “we have essentially a year until that funding goes away.”

Pierre urged the board and local partners to ensure they share a single understanding and message with MDOT and Takata. He said the county’s front page now links to prior transit studies and a condensed seven-page summary the county can provide to elected officials and stakeholders.

County staff and commissioners said the admin committee will oversee local decisions about applying any near-term state road and transit increases and that they will work with townships and cities before spending any one-time funds. No formal board action was taken; the conversation centered on coordination and scheduling to ensure local partners participate in follow-up meetings with MDOT.