The Canton Township Board of Trustees on Oct. 14 approved an amended professional services agreement and purchase order with OHM advisers for a regional public transit needs assessment and implementation strategy, with Canton serving as fiduciary for participating Western Wayne County municipalities.

Clerk Clark Siegrist moved the amendment, which the board approved by voice vote. The amended contract amount is not to exceed $223,945 with a non‑reimbursable increase of $10,000 and a reimbursable increase not to exceed $98,000; the final contract will be reviewed by township legal counsel and requires an associated budget amendment.

Director Norwood explained the context: in early 2025, the Michigan Legislature adopted Public Act 236, which prevents Wayne County municipalities from opting out of regional transit and authorizes a countywide millage vote to fund a regional transit system. Canton staff previously contracted OHM advisers for a Canton‑only transit needs assessment; planning staff discussed widening the scope at the request of nearby municipalities to produce a regional assessment. Participating municipalities will contribute financially; Canton will act as fiduciary.

Norwood and planning staff framed the project as an extension of the township's master plan public engagement and noted Canton’s existing assets and partnerships that could be leveraged in a regional strategy. The board approved the amended agreement and associated budget authority.