This week on Talking Michigan Transportation, a conversation about Gov. Whitmer’s $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan plan to restore some of the state’s most vital freeways and bridges with two people who have been deeply involved in the planning: Laura Mester, MDOT chief administrative officer, and Patrick McCarthy, who heads MDOT’s Bureau of Finance.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9621_14807_14810_59639---,00.html

They explain how the bond program capitalizes on low interest rates to allow for major investment in state-owned roads and bridges. Mester presented the overview of the plan to the State Transportation Commission on Jan. 30.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Rebulding_Michigan_-_STC_-_final_679815_7.pdf

This House Fiscal Agency analysis provides important context on MDOT bonding over the past several years across multiple administrations.

https://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/Alpha/Fiscal_Brief_State_Transportation_Bonds_Feb19.pdf

Bonds will be issued for 49 projects, which will rebuild major freeways and bridges in the state’s most heavily traveled corridors. The plan also allows another 73 projects to be expedited or broadened in scope.

View the complete list: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/Bonding_and_Accelerated_Program_013020_679842_7.xlsx

This map shows vehicle miles traveled broken down by MDOT regions of the state: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/Vehicle_Miles_Traveled_Region_680448_7.pdf

MDOT finance officials break down the Rebuilding Michigan plan