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Commission hears staff on countywide transit millage and MDOT funding opportunity
Summary
City staff briefed commissioners on a potential countywide transit millage and a competitive MDOT funding opportunity that could cover large upfront costs for expanding transit; staff requested the commission consider a resolution or letter of support for a county application due June 30.
City staff reported they and the transportation director met with the county board to discuss forming a countywide transit system funded by a proposed levy and to pursue a competitive Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Infrastructure Project Authority grant opportunity.
A staff member said the county application could request a 0.5-mill countywide levy and that MDOT is offering substantial upfront funding—staff described the opportunity as providing up to 100% of needed upfront capital in the first year, tapering to lower percentages in following years (staff characterized the funding sequence as 100% first year, 70% second year, 50% third year, then down to typical program levels). Staff said a countywide system could replace current local levies (for example, a local 0.8-mill transit levy could be exchanged for a 0.5-mill countywide levy for city residents if the county adopts the plan).
Staff emphasized the application is competitive and time-sensitive with a June 30 application deadline and requested commissioners consider providing a resolution or letter indicating willingness to include a countywide millage proposal in an application. The discussion included questions from commissioners about costs, service areas, and the potential for townships to join a countywide arrangement.
Staff noted benefits including improved cross-county connectivity (allowing contiguous transit service through neighboring counties) and that state funding could substantially reduce the city's upfront cost to expand transit. The Commission did not take a binding vote on a countywide millage at the meeting; staff said they wanted direction and indicated they would return with draft language and requests for action if the county moves forward.
What happens next: staff will monitor the county process; the county application deadline and MDOT funding timeline create urgency for any local resolutions or letters of support.
