Troy City officials on Dec. 15 accepted a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to fund a new trail segment described as 'Phase 4' that will connect existing trail sections and extend to Long Lake.

The announcement came during a presentation by Kurt Bovencyp, Troy’s public works director, and SEMCOG representatives. Amy (SEMCOG executive director) said the TAP program prioritizes projects that reach large numbers of people and link communities; Gwen Markham, chair of SEMCOG and an Oakland County commissioner, said the regional review committee — composed of elected officials — evaluates projects by how many people they will reach and their connectivity to other communities.

Mayor Baker called the grant “transformational” because it will connect previously separated trail segments, improving usability for pedestrians and cyclists. According to SEMCOG remarks during the presentation, the agency distributes federal transportation funds in the region and has helped fund scores of projects; the discussion cited the program’s role in channeling federal funds and the regional review process that recommended Troy’s project.

City staff described the Phase 4 route as beginning at Wattles near the mid-block crossing, traversing school district property behind Costello Elementary and continuing through existing easements across residential parcels to Long Lake. Presenters said the city has verbal commitments from the Troy School District and from local developers to allow the trail through portions of the right-of-way and that the route uses some existing sidewalks and paper streets identified in earlier planning.

SEMCOG representatives highlighted benefits beyond recreation, noting the trail will connect people to schools and services. Council members and presenters emphasized the partnership among city staff, SEMCOG and county officials in securing federal funding and encouraged continued advocacy for federal reauthorization of similar programs.

The presentation concluded with council expressions of thanks to SEMCOG and to staff for advancing shovel-ready projects. No formal action specific to the grant award was recorded beyond the presentation and public recognition; the council proceeded with regular business.