SEMCOG awards Canton $900,000 TAP grant for sidewalks, to fill gaps near schools

The Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) presented Canton Township with a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) award and a $900,000 check at the July 22 Board of Trustees meeting.

Amy O’Leary, executive director of SEMCOG, said the regional agency evaluated projects submitted by local governments and selected Canton’s application for its emphasis on safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and schoolchildren. O’Leary noted the TAP program is federally funded and part of SEMCOG’s Metropolitan Planning Organization role, and she credited Congresswoman Debbie Dingell’s support for federal infrastructure funding that makes such grants possible.

Township officials said the project will fill nearly two miles of sidewalk gaps and connect to several schools, improving safe walking and biking routes. A young Canton resident who advocated for traffic safety, identified in the meeting as Evan, was acknowledged by SEMCOG for his local advocacy.

Speakers emphasized one practical requirement: townships do not own roads, so the project required support from Wayne County to proceed. SEMCOG and Canton officials thanked Wayne County and Commissioner Melissa Daub for supporting the project.

SEMCOG described the award as part of a larger regional transportation improvement program valued in the billions of federal dollars, and officials said the funded sidewalks aim to improve safety for the township’s most vulnerable road users.

No formal vote was required; SEMCOG’s presentation and the check were received as information by the board.