Meeting Minutes - mtpa-mi.orgDate/Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Location: Virtual Meeting 1. Call to Order Mr. Bruff called the meeting to order at 10:40 AM. 2. Introductions

Meeting Minutes

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Location: Virtual Meeting

1. Call to Order

Mr. Bruff called the meeting to order at 10:40 AM.

2. Introductions

Introductions were made.

3. Approval of the February 2020 Meeting Minutes

Mr. Steve Stepek made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, supported by Mr. Steve Duke. The motion carried unanimously.

4. Treasurer’s Report

Ms. Lindsay Wallace will be giving an update at the next MTPA meeting.

5. Education Committee Report

Ms. Maja Bolanowska stated that there will be a virtual committee meeting at 2:00 PM later today regarding the possibilities and contingencies for the 2020 MTPA July Conference.

6. FHWA Update

Mr. Andy Pickard reported on the FHWA white paper “Cost-based STIP/TIP amendments for highway project in Michigan” that was provided to MTPA in the April meeting packet. He noted that this topic has been in discussion for a while, and the white paper provides a summary of the information to date. The paper includes a review of what other states are doing, and what might make sense for Michigan to consider regarding proposed changes to cost-based amendments to highway projects. Currently, there are two options being considered. One is to use the federal phase cost instead of total phase cost. The other is to use a tiered percent change system instead of a flat percent change. No one system that another state was using appeared to be the obvious choice for Michigan. FHWA is looking for MPO feedback on this topic and on the topics raised in the white paper by June 26. Please contact Mr. Pickard with any questions, comments, and/or recommendations. Mr. Bruff asked if the MTPA Policy Meeting members could discuss this further with FHWA. It was also noted that FTA is also a part of this conversation. This week is National Work Zone awareness week.

7. Asset Management Council (TAMC) Update

Mr. Start noted that the Spring TAMC conference has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fall

conference may also not be held. PASER data collection for federal-aid eligible roads can resume once MDOT

employees are allowed to start working and driving in vehicles with more than one person. More information

will follow from MDOT and TAMC on this matter at a future date. At this time, TAMC is planning for two in-

person trainings for PASER data collection to be held in June. There is also consideration for web trainings if in-

person trainings cannot be held. All other raters who attended a training in 2019 do not need to attend a

training this year. The Road and Bridge report will be released at the end of April, and will be available online.

Also, at this time the budget allocations for MPOs that were used for 2020 should be considered the same for

2021 for planning purposes.

8. Salary Survey

Mr. Ryan Buck reported that the Salary Survey came back, and the results were shared with MTPA. MTPA does this survey every 3 – 5 years.

9. MDOT Update

A. MDOT COVID-19 Response Update

Mr. Todd White reported that Ms. Denise Jones will be retiring at the end of April. Mr. Craig Newell will be taking over the statewide planning division. Mr. White shared that Ms. Jones said that she has enjoyed working with the MPOs. Mr. White also reported that there have not been a lot of updates on the operations or functions of MDOT at this time as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Somethings have been paused while other aspects of MDOT are moving forward as planned. Many construction projects continue to progress. Many MDOT statewide planning employees are working remotely at this time. The state is estimating at $3B shortfall in revenue. Traffic volumes statewide are only at 55% - 60% of what they were a year ago at this time. The state government has a hiring freeze that has gone into effect. Discretionary spending is cut. Future information from the Governor regarding MDOT may address funding potential for state and local infrastructure and government assistance. Some project construction timelines may be shifting due to circumstances surrounding the pandemic. MDOT is waiting to hear from the Governor as to what the next steps may be for many of its programs and projects.

B. CARES Act – FTA Funding

Ms. Andy Brush provided a summary that is found in the meeting packet with the title “CARES Act.”

C. HIP Funds Update

Ms. Heidi Phaneuf briefly reported on the HIP Funds document that was sent via email before the meeting. [It is also included in the meeting packet for May.] She noted that things appear similar to what’s appeared in the past. There will not be an increase in budgets for the Rural Task Force. Looking toward the future, there will likely not be any new funding that becomes available. MDOT has not made any specific allocations for small MPOs for HIP. This was new money that was given to MDOT by Congress. The Bridge Program will likely be used to backfill any existing gaps in programming. Please contact Ms. Phaneuf with any questions.

D. MDOT TAP Budget Update

Mr. Smith encouraged the large MPOs that have TAP funds they control to check their budgets and grant lists they received so that TAP funds will not lapse. The MDOT TAP grant coordinators for each of the large MPOs would be contacting them to go over their individual TAP budgets and grant lists. To help improve communication and expectations between MDOT TAP and large MPOs, Mr. Smith will be creating a group charter this summer, which they will all have the opportunity to review and edit. Mr. Smith also provided an overview of the recent DNR grant communications issue related to the Governor’s Executive Directive 2020-03, limiting discretionary spending. As a reference, on April 8, DNR Grants Management Section sent the noted attachment to all their grantees in about 10 grant programs, and notified MDOT shortly after. [See document that is an email with subject Mass Messaging to DNR Grantees…dated Friday, April 10 in the May meeting packet.] Their grantees were given notice that their grants, even those under contract, were likely not to be honored. While it said the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants were exempt, the language was confusing. MDOT Finance temporarily fronts (finances) TAP grant projects with state funds, then seeks reimbursement for all of those state funds using the federal TAP funds and local match. The match is billed to TAP grantees, often after the end of the project. After the TAP grantee pays MDOT the required match, then they can seek reimbursement from a DNR grant, if they have one. DNR grants are typically reimbursement only. This puts the DNR funds reimbursement at the very end of the process, sometimes a few years after construction. This is a problem because MDOT’s concern was that some DNR grantees would read the confusing DNR email and attempt to stop construction on TAP jobs where DNR grants were included in the local match. It could create a flurry of decisions based on misinformation. The definition of whether stopping a job is a problem or not, and if so, to what extent, depends on where in the process a project is at. The DNR pursued and achieved getting a formal DNR determination that the projects on the list were exempt. DNR sent another email message to only those affected projects, copying any affected Act 51 agencies and MDOT. The emails were individual and indicated that specific projects could continue to move forward and that the DNR would reimburse the DNR grant amount at the end. Mr. Smith reported that MDOT produced a report to roughly find anything that had federal obligation already, and that likely had DNR funds involved. With LAP’s assistance, MDOT found all of them also had

executed MDOT contracts. In reviewing the list, MDOT’s attorney felt the costs related to stopping those projects should be expected to exceed the DNR grant amounts. A final spreadsheet of affected projects is included [see table with MDOT TAP Grant information] along with a sample of the message that went to each project on the list. [See document that is an email with subject Important Update on Specific…dated Tuesday, April 21 in the May meeting packet.]

Mr. Smith hoped that this response has helped clear the confusion and headed off any accidental local agency panic action, such as trying to stop an existing construction project already in progress or completed. Please contact him with any questions or if you receive questions from grantees.

10. Other New Business

Mr. Tom Bruff asked MDOT how modelling may be impacted by the pandemic. Mr. Brad Sharlow noted that MDOT will be looking into this. Mr. Tom Bruff provided an email from MDOT regarding the Older Drive and Pedestrian Special Rule. Ms. Heidi Phaneuf noted that the SHPO may not be able to review and/or approve new projects at the state because of business processes related to the pandemic. She noted that hopefully that this will not be the case for local agencies.

11. Adjournment

Mr. Bruff adjourned the meeting at 12:30 PM

Meeting Attendance Tuesday, April 21 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

Name Organization

Andrea Brush MDOT

Michelle Weber-Currie MDOT

Heidi Phaneuf MDOT

Andrea Faber GVMC

Bryan Gillett Midland MPO

Suzann Flowers WATS

Todd White MDOT

Steve Brudzinski SEMCOG

Mark Harrison MDOT

Carolyn Ulstad Holland MPO

Don Mayle MDOT

Jason Nordberg Flint MPO

John Lanum MDOT

Aaron Dawson FHWA

Lindsay Wallace St Clair MPO

Maja Bolanowska Midland MPO

Robert Huber MDOT

Jay Anderson Bay County MPO

Tom Bruff SEMCOG

Tanya DeOliveira R2PC

Steve Duke R2PC

Matthew Galbraith MDOT

Andrea Strach Tri-County MPO

Steve Stepek KATS

Demetra Manley Saginaw County MPO

Kim Gallagher SWMRPC

Pat Karr BCATS

Tyler Kent MDOT

Orlando Curry MDOT

Jeff Franklin MDOT

Amy Haack WMSRDC

Brian Mulnix WMSRDC

Joel Fitzpatrick WMSRDC

Laurel Joseph GVMC

Ryan Buck WATS

Mara Gericke Holland MPO

Luke Walters MDOT

Ryan Smith Bay City MPO

Richard Bayus MDOT

Barb Davarn MDOT

Tyler Kent Holland MPO

Emily Lake WATS

Anita Boughner MDOT

Eric Mullen MDOT

Ed Fowler MDOT

Craig Newell MDOT

Tracie Lex MDOT

Mike Smith MDOT

Jon Start KATS

Nicole Baumer Tri-County MPO

Mike Davis MDOT

Nick Sapkiewiz WATS

Christina Ignasiak SEMCOG

Denise Jones MDOT

Summary of 4/21/2020 MTPA Education Committee Meeting

Agenda: Review Conference Options

Determining what to do about the 2020 MTPA conference in lieu of Covid 19 Pandemic.

Review of 4 options:

a. Keep Conference as is – to take place in Midland on July 21 through July 24, 2020

b. Postpone Conference to fall (Sep 29-Oct 2 or Oct 20-Oct 23 or Nov 17-Nov 20)

c. Postpone Conference to next year (July 20-July 23, 2021 in Midland)

d. Virtual Conference (July 21-July 24, 2020)

Discussion

The majority of the time and discussion revolved around what to do about the scheduled July 21-July 24

MTPA Conference in Midland. The pros and cons of each potential option were reviewed. Recent

announcement of MDOT staff travel restrictions and out-of-town training restrictions were discussed and

deemed directly affecting conference success.

It was unanimously agreed that in lieu of uncertainty of present situation and that of next few months, it

makes no sense to proceed with the conference as scheduled. Maja Bolanowska and Bryan Gillett shared

results of the preliminary talks with the hotel/conference venue as to potential postponement of

conference and provided dates that hotel indicated were available. Those were: Sep 29-Oct 2 or Oct 20-

Oct 23 or Nov 17-Nov 20 in the fall or Aug 3-6, 2021 next summer.

It was further agreed that postponement of conference to next summer is preferable over postponement

to the fall. The feasibility of second wave of Covid 19 in the fall and MDOT staff travel restrictions were

primary factors weighing in on that decision. Flint MPO indicated that they had no problem with hosting

a Conference in year 2022 as opposed to 2021, as currently scheduled, Flint MPO has not signed any

agreements as of this time. Virtual Conference option did not appeal to anyone present in the meeting.

It was unanimously determined that Midland MPO proceed with rescheduling the MTPA Conference to

next summer (Aug 3-6, 2021). Recommended changes to the contract with conference venue were briefly

discussed.

Postscript

Following April 21 decisions regarding the conference, MATS staff contacted the H Hotel to reschedule

the conference to summer of 2021. At that point it was realized that the Friday within previously discussed

dates of August 3-6, 2021 was not available (Hotel staff indicated that they hadn’t realized that we wanted

a Tuesday-Friday slot, versus a Monday-Thursday slot). As a consequence, August 10-13, 2021 has been

booked instead for MTPA Conference. That change was immediately communicated to the Education

Committee, and received approval.

Sincerely,

Maja Bolanowska

Midland MPO

FY 2020 Highway Infrastructure Local Program Allocations

4/21/2020 - Final

Total FY 2020 HIP funds to Michigan = $60,329,368

Trunkline 75% = $45,247,026

Local 25% = $15,082,342

Eligible activities in Highway Infrastructure- 23USC 133(b)(1) and 23 USC 133 (b)(4) include

construction of:

1. Highways, bridges, tunnels

2. Ferry boats and terminal facilities

3. Transit capital projects

4. Infrastructure based ITS capital improvements, including installation of vehicle-to-vehicle

infrastructure communication equipment

5. Truck parking facilities eligible for funds under section 1401 of MAP-21

6. Boarder infrastructure projects eligible for funding under section 1303 of SAFETEA-LU

7. Highway and transit safety infrastructure improvements and programs, including railway-

highway grade crossings

8. To provide necessary charging infrastructure along corridor-ready or corridor-pending

alternative fuel corridors designated pursuant to 23 USC 151

Matching Requirements

Funds must be obligated by 9-30-2023. Can use the sliding scale of 81.85/18.15 or 80/20.

Other Requirements

1. No PE, ROW or other non-construction phases

2. No local or rural minor collector roads (with some exceptions for safety, bridges and tunnels,

and charging infrastructure for alternative fuel corridors)

3. Must be approved in the STIP or MPO TIP

4. Disadvantages Business Enterprises (DBE) FAST Act Section 1101 (b)

Eligible Activities for the Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program

1. Highway bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects on public roads (PE is eligible)

HIP Fin Sys Local MDOT Michigan

HIPU >200K $ 6,458,176 $ 6,458,176

HIPL 5K-200K $ 1,950,156 $ 1,950,156

HIPL Under 5K $ 3,083,808 $ 3,083,808

HIP Flexible $ 9,402,660 $ 9,402,660

HIPB Bridge $ 3,590,202 $ 35,844,366 $ 39,434,568

Total $ 15,082,342 $ 45,247,026 $ 60,329,368

25% 75%

TMA HIP Funds (Must be used in the TMA area that is listed below)

Urbanized Area Population

Highway Infrastructure

Program Suballocation

Ann Arbor 306,022 355,825

Detroit 3,734,090 4,341,790

Flint 356,218 414,190

Grand Rapids 569,935 662,688

Kalamazoo 209,703 243,831

Lansing 313,532 364,557

South Bend 36,295 42,202

Toledo 28,461 33,093

Total 5,554,256 6,458,176

Small MPO Funds (Must be used in a Small MPO Area)

Small Urban Funds (Must be used in a Small Urban Area – to be added to Small Urban Program)

$ 780,544

Small MPO Population Percent FY 2020 HIP

BATTLE CREEK, Calh 78,393 7.79% 91,151$

BAY CITY, Bay 70,585 7.02% 82,072$

BENT. HARBOR, Ber 61,022 6.07% 70,953$

ELKHART, IN 900 0.09% 1,046$

HOLLAND, Alle/Otta 99,941 9.94% 116,206$

JACKSON, Jac 90,057 8.95% 104,713$

MICHIGAN CITY, IN 595 0.06% 692$

MIDLAND 59,014 5.87% 68,618$

MONROE, 51,240 5.09% 59,579$

MUSKEGON, Musk 161,280 16.03% 187,527$

PT. HURON, St.Cl 87,106 8.66% 101,282$

SAGINAW, Sag 126,265 12.55% 146,814$

SOUTH LYON-Howe 119,509 11.88% 138,958$

Total 1,005,907 100.00% 1,169,612$

Rural Funds (Will be added to Local Bridge Program for Rural Bridges)

$ 3,083,808

Bridge Program Funds (Will be added to Local Bridge Program for Rural and Urban Bridges)

$3,590,202

Bridge Funds HIP FY 2020 Based on STP flex %

Urban bridge (over 5,000 UZA) $ 1,709,670 47.62%

Rural bridge (under 5,000 pop) $ 1,880,532 52.38%

Subtotal $ 3,590,202 100.00%

CARES Act $25 Billion for public transportation $73M for Michigan rural agencies 15% to Intercity $10M for statewide projects Remaining $52M to rural agencies over the next 2 years. Increase reimbursed eligible expenses from 18% to 36% both years. Four statewide initiatives:

Hire a consultant to help the rural agencies write a disaster plan.

Hire a consultant to look at technology to help during a crisis, such as fareless collection systems.

Hire a consultant to help with a marketing campaign to showcase everything transit did for their customers during the crisis.

Implement a statewide app, such as Moveit, to assist agencies during a disaster or crisis.

Large Urban Detroit $133,892,582

Ann Arbor $20,803,052

Flint $19,049,485

Grand Rapids $28,359,064

Kalamazoo $9,074,494

Lansing $18,343,421

Total Large Urban $229,522,098

Smarll Urbans Battle Creek, MI $3,957,490

Bay City, MI $3,819,425

Benton Harbor-St. Joseph $2,375,782

Holland, MI $4,136,466

Jackson, MI $3,724,164

Midland, MI $2,970,243

Monroe, MI $2,126,086

Muskegon, MI $7,194,325

Port Huron, MI $6,544,640

Saginaw, MI $5,550,311

South Lyon-Howell, MI $4,972,704

Total Small Urban $47,371,636

Rural $73,186,840

Michigan Total $350,080,574

Livingston one of the first in the nation to have their grant approved. �

We will submit our grant for the rural 5311 funds today.

These funds to not have to be in the S/TIP unless they involve substantial changes to the function, location, or capacity of transit system assets. They have the same requirements as 5311 and 5307.

Can be used for operating, capital and planning. If planning, must be in the UPWP. I might be seeking a waiver for this requirement for rural.

Can be used to replace lost revenues. Still seeking guidance on how to implement this.

Can be used to pay salaries/benefits for individuals on admin leave. Employee must be in work status. Jean’s having daily calls with urban agencies. Our office is having a daily team meeting to keep everyone informed.

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Smith, Michael (MDOT)

From: Lord, Daniel (DNR)Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 10:00 AMTo: Matisoff, Amy (MDOT); Smith, Michael (MDOT); Kapp, Mike (MDOT)Cc: Mayes, Jon (DNR); Bayus, Christie (DNR); Eklund, Erik (DNR); Yauk, Paul (DNR); Hewlett,

Dakota (DNR); Lemarbe, Megan (DNR); Van Bloem, Nikki (DNR)Subject: Mass Messaging to DNR Grantees in Regards to ED 2020-03 (Discretionary Spending)

Follow Up Flag: Follow upFlag Status: Flagged

Amy, Mike & Mike, I just wanted to give our program partners a heads up that we’ve provided the message below to all of our DNR grantees earlier this week that the Finance and Operations Division is responsible which includes the Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Recreation Passport along with several others and one time supplemental funded projects. I’ve included the Parks and Recreation Division team as well since they may be approaching things differently. I know that each agency is interpreting and acting on ED 2020-03 in different ways based upon funding sources and statute. I believe MDOT is proceeding with certain projects that are being considered part of the essential / critical workforce. I was hoping if trail projects, specifically those that have DNR matching funds, are moving forward that we continue to communicate and share information. Any lists you have for those types of projects going forward would be appreciated. We have been cleared on MNRTF being exempt and we are seeking exemptions in our other recreational grant programs for ED 2020-03, however we are not assuming or letting grantees know that the exemption also pertains to the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-42 (stay home stay safe). The exemption request only pertains to permissible expenses within the program when related activities are deemed safe and allowable under the range of executive orders and executive directives. Our approach has been that construction of any recreation grant project can only proceed if it is determined by the grantee that such construction can legally and safely be undertaken pursuant to Executive Order 2020-42. That decision must be made locally, the DNR is not making those determinations or guiding any grantee. Local units must continue to take into account the restrictions of the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-42 as well as any other state or local restrictions that may apply. I realize that this may create some challenges should we have matching funds with MDOT should your agency be viewing those projects as falling within essential / critical workforce types of projects. Again, my intent is to have open conversations and communication strings between our two agencies. I welcome any questions you may have or should we need to have a follow up call we’re happy to schedule that. Here’s the mass message that went out: To DNR Grantees, As the State of Michigan continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Natural Resources would like to update you on several important aspects pertaining to open grant projects. The necessary restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are expected to curtail economic activity in Michigan and substantially impact state revenue collections. In anticipation of these impacts, Governor Whitmer recently issued Executive Directive 2020-3, which imposes limits on discretionary spending. This directive orders departments to immediately pause spending on discretionary activities.

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You are receiving this note because the department is pausing deliverables and payments associated with our current agreement in order to comply with the directive. Should you proceed with fulfilling the deliverables of the current agreement, you run the risk of not getting paid or reimbursed. Any expenditure is being evaluated against the exempt activities identified in Executive Directive 2020-3. To date, only the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant program has been determined to be exempt. Further exemptions to include other grant programs will be addressed on a case by case basis. The DNR advises the following:

All grantees hold on executing any grant funded work activities Requests for advances (in applicable programs) will be held while the applicable executive orders and

directives remain in effect As it pertains to processing reimbursement payments, at this time the DNR will process payments for work

that occurred prior to Executive Directive 2020-03 taking effect, which was on March 30, 2020 o Should grantees proceed with fulfilling the deliverables of the agreement and conduct work

after March 30, 2020, you run the risk of not getting reimbursed All grantees should continue to update and process project grant agreements and amendments taking

into account any necessary extensions to timeframes and augmentation of deliverables as needed The Grants Management Section will continue to process payments, agreements and amendments as outlined above. Further information will be communicated as it becomes available. Dan Lord Grants Management Section Manager Finance and Operations Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources 525 West Allegan P.O. Box 30425 Lansing, MI, 48909 Cell – 517.290.5603

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Smith, Michael (MDOT)

From: Lord, Daniel (DNR)Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 1:45 PMTo: [email protected]: [email protected]; Smith, Michael (MDOT); Kadzban, Bruce

(MDOT); Leix, Tracie (MDOT); Mayes, Jon (DNR); Stay, Andrea (DNR)Subject: Important Update on Specific DNR & MDOT Funded Trail Projects

On April 8th you received an email with the subject heading of “Important Information Pertaining to All Open DNR Grants”. The information contained in this correspondence is to follow up to that April 8th message with additional clarifications and guidance based upon the funding sources involved with your project. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), has made the determination that based upon the mix of state and federal funding sources and type of construction, your project, MNRTF Grant TF17-0133, Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Galesburg, is exempt from the Governor’s Executive Directive 2020-03 (discretionary spending) and complies with critical infrastructure workers outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-42. Therefore, your project is able to continue to move forward with any related design and construction activities. The DNR’s Grants Management Section will continue to process payments and agreement amendments as needed in order to continue this work. We recognize that your project may be implemented through a local Act 51 agency partner, which is working with MDOT. If applicable, we have copied your Act 51 agency partner to help facilitate communication. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to work under the various executive directives and executive orders. Dan Lord Grants Management Section Manager Finance and Operations Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources 525 West Allegan P.O. Box 30425 Lansing, MI, 48909 Cell – 517.290.5603

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AA AB

MDOT Job

Number

MDOT

Financial

Status

Scheduled

Construction

Start Date

Actual Start

Date

Federally

Obligated

Amount

TAP Grant Number TAP Applicant Name TAP Project Name CountyCity/Village/Towns

hip Name

TAP

Grant

Year

TAP Grant

StatusTAP Match Sources DNR Grant Number DNR Project Title DNR Grantee Authorized Official

DNR Contract

Executed?

MDOT Act 51 Agency

Point of ContactMDOT LAP Point of Contact

TAP Grant

Approved

Date

MDOT

Contract

Number

MDOT

Construction

Letting Date

MDOT

Contract

Status

Email

Sent

205109 (A) Open 1/10/2020 12/23/2019 $630,000.00 TA 2018054.01 Road Commission of Kalamazoo County

KATS: Kalamazoo River Valley Trail -

Segment 6 Kalamazoo Galesburg 2019 Approved

Parks Foundation of

Kalamazoo County (IBT

Grant), Trust Fund Grant TF17-0133, IBTCH 18-26

Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Galesburg [email protected] No

RMinkus@kalamazoocountyroads

.com

[email protected];

[email protected];leixt

@michigan.gov 10/31/2018 20-5003 3/6/2020 Executed Yes

207589 (A) Open 2/7/2020 12/16/2019 $745,325.00 TA 2018018.01 Gogebic County Road Commission Phase 3 Gogebic County Iron Belle Trail Gogebic Bessemer 2020 Approved

MNR Trust Fund Grant,

MWGTA (Trail Authority) TF18-0184

Bessemer to Ramsay Iron

Belle Trail Project [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



204888 (A) Open 11/15/2019 10/23/2019 $800,000.00 TA 2018028.01 Road Commission for Oakland County

Iron Belle Trail: E. Clarkston Road Pathway -

Phase 3 (MDOT) Oakland Orion Township 2018 Approved

Charter Township of Orion,

MNRTF Grant TF18-0055

East Clarkston Road

Pathway - M-24 to Paint

Creek [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



204888 (A) Open 11/15/2019 10/23/2019 $800,000.00 TA 2018028.02 Road Commission for Oakland County

IBT - SEMCOG: Iron Belle Trail - E.

Clarkston Road Pathway - Phase 3 Oakland Orion Township 2019 Approved

Charter Township of Orion,

MNRTF Grant TF18-0055

East Clarkston Road

Pathway - M-24 to Paint

Creek [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



126424 (A) Open 6/11/2019 6/26/2019 $952,815.13 TA 2014031.01 Village of Spring Lake North Bank Trail - Phase 2B Ottawa Crockery Township 2015 Approved

Crockery Township, Michigan

Natural Resources Trust

Fund TF15-0096

Extension of the North Bank

Trail [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



133276 (A) Open 6/7/2019 6/11/2019 $1,070,146.00 TA 2015038.01 City of Boyne City Boyne Valley Trailway Charlevoix

Boyne Valley

Township 2018 Approved

Boyne Valley Township, City

of Boyne City,

MNRTF/MDNR, Other Local

Match/Fundraising, Village of

Boyne Falls TF17-0054

Boyne Valley Trailway

Development - Phase II [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



200818 (A) Open 5/17/2019 5/29/2019 $485,625.00 TA 2017009.01 Ann Arbor

Pedestrian Tunnel through Allen Creek

Berm Opening (MDOT) Washtenaw Ann Arbor 2018 Approved

City of Ann Arbor, DNR Trust

fund, FEMA Award TF17-0086

Allen Creek Railroad Berm

Opening Trail

Development [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



131028 (A),

209411 (A) Open, Open 5/3/2019 5/3/2019 $1,426,547.07 TA 2015052.01 Iosco CRC Iosco Exploration Trail Phase I Iosco Au Sable Township 2017 Approved

AuSable Township, FLAP

Grant, Iosco County, Oscoda

Township, RTP TF15-0027

Iosco Exploration Trail,

Phase 1 [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];


@michigan.gov 4/29/2019

19-5297

& 19-

5587(Ame

nd) 9/6/2019 Executed Yes

201121 (A) Open 4/30/2019 5/2/2019 $1,540,318.00 TA 2015023.01 Ottawa CRC Spoonville Trail - Phase 2 Ottawa Crockery Township 2017 Approved

Consumers Energy

Foundation, DALMAC, Grand

Haven Area Community

Foundation, Other grants &

donations, Ottawa County,

Scholten Fant, Shape

Corporation, Trust Fund,

West Michigan Trails &

Greenways Coaliti TF17-0048

Development of Phase 2c of

the North Bank Trail [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



200053 (A) Open 4/19/2019 4/25/2019 $374,500.00 TA 2016067.01 Cheboygan County Road Commission

Burt Lake Non-Motorized Trail

Development, Riggsville Road, Phase II Cheboygan Burt Township 2019 Approved Burt Township, MNRTF TF16-0057 Burt Lake Trail, Phase 2 [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];


@michigan.gov 4/3/2019 19-5280 6/28/2019 Executed yes

202251 (A) Open 3/22/2019 4/5/2019 $404,950.00 TA 2016002.02 Washtenaw County Road Commission Huron Waterloo Loop Phase 1B (MDOT) Washtenaw Lyndon Township 2019 Approved

DNR Trust Fund, Huron

Waterloo Pathways Initiative TF16-0063

Huron Waterloo Loop


[email protected];



202251 (A) Open 3/22/2019 4/5/2019 $404,950.00 TA 2016002.03 Washtenaw County Road Commission

IBT - SEMCOG: Huron Waterloo Loop

Phase 1B Washtenaw Lyndon Township 2019 Approved

DNR Trust Fund, Huron

Waterloo Pathways Initiative TF16-0063

Huron Waterloo Loop


[email protected];



121691 (B) Open 2/12/2019 2/15/2019 $1,080,000.00 TA 2013091.02 Detroit

Joe Louis Greenway acquisition (formerly

known as Inner Circle Greenway) (MDOT

CC) Wayne Detroit 2017 Approved

Michigan Natural Resources

Trust Fund TF13-027

Inner Circle Greenway -

Conrail Acquisition

[email protected],

[email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];


@michigan.gov 1/28/2019 19-5094 N/A Executed Yes

132552 (A) Open 4/12/2019 2/13/2019 $630,508.00 TA 2016055.01 Wayne County DPS

SEMCOG: Hines Park-Ann Arbor Trail

Connector Wayne Westland 2017 Approved

MDNR MNRTF, Wayne

County Parks TF16-0055

Hines Park-Ann Arbor Trail

Connector [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



19-5117

& 19-

5239 4/5/2019 Executed Yes

130836 (A) Open 4/12/2019 12/20/2018 $839,728.96 TA 2017058.01 Genesee County Road Commission

IBT - GCMPC TAP - Flint River Trail,

Vassar Rd. to Irish Rd. Genesee Richfield Township 2019 Approved

Trust Fund Development

Grant TF17-0132

Genesee County Iron Belle

Trail Vassar to Irish

Segment [email protected] No [email protected]

[email protected];



201575 (A) Open 10/12/2018 10/23/2018 $1,588,806.34 TA 2017060.01 MDOT/Marquette Township

Marquette Township Multi-Use Tunnel

Project Marquette

Marquette


MDNR RIF, MDOT,

Marquette Charter Township TF17-0209

U.S. HWY-41 Underpass &

Regional Trail Connector

Project [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



18-5381

(Trunkline

Agreemen

t) 12/7/2018 Executed Yes

133246 (A) Open 8/30/2018 8/24/2018 $885,904.00 TA 2016042.02 Washtenaw County Road Commission

IBT - SEMCOG: Border-to-Border / Iron

Belle Trail Segment D Washtenaw Scio Township 2018 Approved

MichiganDNR, Washtenaw

County Parks TF16-0227

Border-to-Border/Iron Belle

Trail Construction [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



133246 (A) Open 8/30/2018 8/24/2018 $2,000,000.00 TA 2016042.01 Washtenaw County Road Commission

IBT - Border-to-Border / Iron Belle Trail

Segment D (MDOT) Washtenaw Scio Township 2018 Approved


Trust Fund, Washtenaw

County Parks & Recreation TF16-0227

Border-to-Border/Iron Belle

Trail Construction [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



201083 (A) Open 7/6/2018 8/9/2018 $700,009.00 TA 2017046.01 Livingston County Road Commission

Lakelands Trail Improvements, Unadilla

Township Livingston Unadilla Township 2018 Approved MNRTF, Unidilla Township TF17-0093

Lakelands Trail: Unadilla

Township Trail

Improvements [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



200803 (A) Open 8/1/2018 8/6/2018 $1,941,660.00 TA 2015029.01 MDNR and Jackson TSC

IBT: Lakelands Trail Phase 1 - Bridges

Replacement Jackson Henrietta Township 2018 Approved

Friends of the Lakelands

Trail, Lakelands Trail

Account, Local Match,


Trust Fund, RTP TF15-0143

Lakelands Trail Development:

M-52 to Parnall Road [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



18-5366 (

FA-

Trunkline

Agreemen

t) N/A Executed Yes

200803 (A) Open 8/1/2018 8/6/2018 $2,387,821.40 TA 2015029.02 MDNR and Jackson TSC

IBT: Lakelands Trail Phase 2 - Surfacing

and Trailhead Jackson Henrietta Township 2018 Approved

Friends of Lakelands Trail,

Lakelands Trail Account,

Local Match, Michigan


Fund, RTP TF15-0143

Lakelands Trail Development:

M-52 to Parnall Road [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



18-5366 (

FA-

Trunkline

Agreemen

t) N/A Executed Yes

131063 (A) Open 4/6/2018 4/5/2018 $651,235.00 TA 2015085.01 Berrien County Road Commission Indiana Michigan River Valley Trail Phase II Berrien Niles Township 2017 Approved

MDNR Trust Fund, Niles

Charter Twp TF16-0158

Niles Township IN-MI River

Valley Trail [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



18-5242

& 19-

5064(Ame

nd) 6/1/2018 Executed Yes

132568 (A) Open 3/26/2018 3/20/2018 $300,000.00 TA 2016039.01 Road Commission of Oakland County

IBT - SEMCOG: Paint Creek Trail Bridge

33.7 Renovation Oakland Oakland Township 2018 Approved MNRTF Grant TF16-0008

Paint Creek Trail Bridge

Renovation [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



133122 (A) Open 3/26/2018 3/20/2018 $1,379,558.00 TA 2016041.01 Michigan DNR Otsego County Trail Otsego Gaylord 2018 Approved

MNRTF- Otsego County,

MNRTF-DNR, Otsego

County, RTP

TF16-0067 (Otsego County)

& TF16-0146 (DNR-PRD)

Iron Belle Trail Otsego

County South Development [email protected] Closed [email protected]

[email protected];



200573 (A) Open 3/9/2018 3/14/2018 $500,000.00 TA 2015081.01 DNR Parks and Recreation Division

Fred Meijer White Pine Trail Paving - LeRoy

to Reed City Osceola Reed City 2018 Approved

Meijer Foundation, Michigan


Fund, Park Endowment Fund,

West Michigan Trails and

Greenways, Wolverine

Corporation Gift TF16-0097

White Pine Trail Paving -

LeRoy to Reed City [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



201575 (C) Open 10/2/2017 2/6/2018 $140,076.00 TA 2017060.02 MDOT/Marquette Township

Marquette Township Multi-Use Tunnel

Project (Design Phase) Marquette

Marquette


MDNR RIF, MDOT, Other

grants, donations TF17-0209

U.S. HWY-41 Underpass &

Regional Trail

Connector Project [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



18-5381

(Trunkline

Agreemen

t) 12/7/2018 Executed Yes

128442 (A) Open 5/11/2017 6/8/2017 $200,776.00 TA 2015071.01 City of Southgate

SEMCOG: Creating a Walkable Downtown

with a City Trail Wayne Southgate 2016 Approved


Trust Fund TF15-0227

Market Center Park - Pavilion

Improvements

[email protected],

[email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



125447 (A) Open 5/12/2017 5/10/2017 $1,398,412.72 TA 2014023.01 Isabella County Road Commission Mid-Michigan Community Pathway Phase I Isabella Shepherd 2015 Approved

MDNR Trust Fund Grant,

Other Sources, Saginaw WIN

Grant TF15-0017

Mid-Michigan Community

Pathway [email protected] Yes [email protected]

[email protected];



33

34

35

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z AA AB

$26,259,671.62

QUALITY LIFE THROUGH GOOD ROADS: ROAD COMMISSION FOR OAKLAND COUNTY

“WE CARE.”

Board of Road Commissioners Ronald J. Fowkes Commissioner Gregory C. Jamian Commissioner Andrea LaLonde Commissioner Dennis G. Kolar, P.E. Managing Director Gary Piotrowicz, P.E., P.T.O.E. Deputy Managing Director County Highway Engineer

31001 Lahser Road Beverly Hills, MI

48025

248-645-2000

FAX 248-645-1349

www.rcocweb.org

April 14, 2020 The Honorable «First_Name» «Last_Name» «Washington_Street» «F6» «City_State_Zip_DC» Re: Obligation of 2020 Federal Aid Funds Dear «F4» «Last_Name»: I am writing to ask for your assistance with the obligation of 2020 federal aid for four Road Commission for Oakland County road projects. The extraordinary circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic and our Governor’s stay-home-stay-safe orders have made it particularly difficult to meet the requirements to obligate federal road funds at this time, putting $12.6 million in previously approved funds at risk. The projects in question are:

• Currie Road (9 Mile Road to 10 Mile Road) -- paving of a primary gravel road in Lyon Township. This project will provide one of the fastest growing townships in the county with a safer north/south route.

• Maple Road (Inkster Road to Franklin Road) -- heavy resurfacing or RRR project in Bloomfield Township. The road carries over 17,000 vehicles a day and is the last segment of Maple Road in the township to be resurfaced.

• Fish Lake Road and Ormond Road in Rose, Holly and White Lake Townships are in

poor condition on the PASER scale with pavement ratings of 2 -- heavy resurfacing projects using federal aid purchased from rural Michigan road commissions.

• Barron Road (Grange Hall Road to Groveland Road) -- paving of a primary gravel road

in Groveland Township that will provide a critical north/south connection between two existing paved roads. This is also a project using federal aid purchased from rural Michigan road commissions.

The estimated total cost of these projects is $18.6 million, of which $12.6 million is federal aid. The Michigan Department of Transportation administers the local federal aid and follows the Federal Highway Administration rules before obligating a project. These rules include having secured all the property (right of way) easements and grading permits, utility coordination, review by the State of Michigan Historic Preservation Office, and all other necessary local and environmental permits.

Continued next page

http://www.rcocweb.org/

Obligation of 2020 Federal Aid Funds April 14, 2020 Page 2

Given the current COVID-19-related environment, the following issues have been created that jeopardize the ability to obligate and secure the federal funds:

1. Property owners do not want to meet to discuss and be shown the project impacts, and

what easement or grading permits are needed, making it virtually impossible to acquire necessary right of way.

2. Courts that are necessary for formal legal actions in property matters are either closed or working at a reduced capacity.

3. Utility companies are working only on emergencies and mission- critical work.

4. The State Historic Preservation Office has sent its employees home.

5. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has

significantly slowed the processing of necessary permits. All four of these projects are essential to the residents of Oakland County and will provide critical jobs later this year or early in 2021. It would be a shame if unanticipated complications related to COVID-19 and the strict enforcement of rules that were created without the anticipation of such a pandemic caused these projects to be cancelled and the federal aid lost forever. A solution could be for the Federal Highway Administration to temporarily relax some requirements that are far more difficult to meet during the pandemic and simply allow the Michigan Department of Transportation to obligate the projects in the Transportation Improvement Plan for 2020. Another idea would be to extend the obligation authority of 2020 federal aid until September 30, 2021, due to the highly unique situation present currently. I am available to discuss these projects, our concerns and proposed solutions at any time. My contact information is listed on the first page of this letter. Stay Safe,

Dennis G. Kolar, P.E, Managing Director C: Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Director of MDOT, Paul Ajegba State Senators: Moss, Bayer, McMorrow, Johnson, Runestad State Representatives: Ellison, Wittenberg, Carter, Bolden, Greig, Crawford, Berman, Manoogian, Kuppa, Schroeder, Maddock, Webber, Reilly, Mueller

Meeting Minutes - mtpa-mi.orgDate/Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. Location: Virtual Meeting 1. Call to Order Mr. Bruff called the meeting to order at 10:40 AM. 2. Introductions

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