by 
Governor Whitmer’s announcement includes much-needed funding for road repairs in small villages and cities. While the investment aims to improve safety and infrastructure, challenges remain in addressing the broader scope of Michigan’s road conditions.
The grants, which range from $54,000 to $250,000 per project, are intended to cover road resurfacing, pavement crack sealing, culvert replacement, and other necessary maintenance. Whitmer highlighted the dual benefits of the program—improving the quality of life for residents while also preventing costlier repairs down the line.
“These grants will help 28 communities across Michigan fix their local roads faster to save drivers time and money,” said Whitmer. “Since I took office, Michigan has fixed 23,000 lane miles of road and 1,600 bridges while supporting over 89,000 jobs. Today’s funding will build on that total.”
Funding Boost for Infrastructure in Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac Counties
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recent allocation of $5.1 million in road repair grants includes targeted projects in Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac Counties, aimed at improving local infrastructure and ensuring safer travel for residents. The funding is part of the Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Category B program, specifically designed to support small communities with populations under 10,000.
In Huron County, the City of Harbor Beach will receive $230,000 to revitalize several key roads, including Bartlett Street, Trescott Street, Schock Road, Garden Street, and Resort Road. This investment will enhance access to local businesses and recreational areas, promoting tourism and improving daily commutes for residents. Harbor Beach has long been a focal point for visitors to Michigan’s Thumb region, and these road improvements are expected to bolster its appeal.
Tuscola County will benefit from a $211,200 grant awarded to the Village of Kingston for repairs on Washington Street and Noble Street. These updates will not only improve road conditions but also support the local economy by facilitating smoother transportation for goods and services. This funding comes at a critical time, as Kingston looks to modernize its infrastructure to better serve the community.
Sanilac County is set to receive substantial support with two major projects. Brown City will utilize $54,000 to address structural issues on Buby Street, a crucial thoroughfare for residents and local businesses. Meanwhile, Croswell has been allocated $250,000 for improvements on Croswell Road and Seltzer Road, areas that are essential for agricultural and industrial activities in the region. These upgrades will help reduce wear and tear on vehicles and provide safer conditions for drivers navigating these routes.
Addressing the Needs of Smaller Communities
The CSIF Category B program was established in 2018 to provide small communities with much-needed funding to support their infrastructure. Administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the program is intended to help these smaller locales, which often find themselves at a disadvantage when competing for road repair funds against larger cities. These grants were awarded to projects that are part of a broader infrastructure strategy, often in coordination with other local agencies.
“It’s often difficult for smaller communities to compete for resources alongside our larger cities,” said State Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “I’m grateful that the Community Service Infrastructure Fund exists to help fill this gap.”
A Boon for Communities, but a Long Road Ahead
While the funding is a welcome boost for small communities, the grants represent a fraction of what is needed to address the state’s crumbling infrastructure. The total of $5.1 million is spread thinly across 28 projects, each with specific needs and challenges. In a state where weather extremes contribute to rapid deterioration of road surfaces, small fixes can only go so far.
State Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) praised the program but acknowledged the need for continued investment. “This state funding helps the City of Ecorse stretch their dollars while improving our local roads. But as we work to make all of our communities vibrant places to live, work, and grow, sustained funding is essential.”
The grants will be used for projects such as the resurfacing of Maple Street in Saugatuck, repairs on Walker Street in Benzonia, and the reconstruction of Florence Street in Ecorse. Each of these projects addresses specific local needs, from ensuring safe commutes for residents to facilitating access for emergency services and school transportation.
The Bigger Picture: Michigan’s Infrastructure Challenge
Despite these efforts, Michigan’s roads continue to face systemic issues. The state has long been plagued by poor road conditions, exacerbated by a combination of harsh winters and deferred maintenance. According to a 2023 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, 41% of Michigan’s roads are in poor condition, and over 1,100 bridges are structurally deficient.
Governor Whitmer’s administration has made road repairs a central part of its agenda since she took office in 2019. Her popular catchphrase, “Fix the damn roads,” has resonated with many residents frustrated by potholes and costly vehicle repairs. However, critics argue that the current funding levels and piecemeal approach are insufficient to tackle the state’s infrastructure woes comprehensively.
State Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) noted the need for long-term solutions. “With Michigan’s severe weather, our roads can almost always use extra attention. This $250,000 is welcomed news, but we need a comprehensive strategy that ensures long-term safety and stability.”
Future Prospects and Legislative Action
Looking forward, the TEDF Category B program for Fiscal Year 2026 will open for applications in April. This continuous funding cycle aims to support the smaller municipalities that struggle with maintaining their road networks without outside assistance.
While the latest round of grants provides a necessary boost, the broader issue of securing sustainable infrastructure funding remains unresolved. It will require not only state intervention but also potentially new funding mechanisms or federal support to meet the comprehensive needs of Michigan’s transportation network.
Local Community Road Projects
| County | Applicant | Project/Route | Grant Amount |
| Allegan | Martin | Templeton Street, University Street, Edwards Street, Chalmers Street and Lee Street | $250,000 |
| Allegan | Saugatuck | Maple Street | $ 250,000 |
| Arenac | Twining | Dewey Street, Sampson Street, Smalley Street, Schley Street and Gridley Street | $ 65,550 |
| Benzie | Benzonia | Walker Street | $ 181,050 |
| Berrien | Berrien Springs | Mechanic Street | $ 192,500 |
| Cheboygan | Cheboygan | Garfield Avenue | $ 250,000 |
| Gogebic | Bessemer | Cinnabar Street | $ 64,979 |
| Grand Traverse | Kingsley | Kingsley Road/S. Brownson Avenue | $ 84,100 |
| Hillsdale | Montgomery | Weaver Road, Hayward Street, Hakes Street, Michigan Street and Park Place | $ 143,878 |
| Houghton | South Range | Whealkate Drive | $ 116,000 |
| Huron | Harbor Beach | Bartlett Street, Trescott Street, Schock Road, Garden Street and Resort Road | $ 230,000 |
| Iron | Crystal Falls | Erie Street, Floodstrand Road, Fairbanks Drive, Water Street, Wisconsin Avenue, Seventh Street, Runkle Lake Road, S. Sixth Street, N. Sixth Street and Rock Crusher Road | $ 250,000 |
| Lapeer | Columbiaville | Fifth Street and LeValley Road | $ 130,965 |
| Lenawee | Morenci | N. Summit Street, Sims Highway and Page Street | $ 240,503 |
| Macomb | Richmond | Oak Street and Priestap Street | $ 250,000 |
| Menominee | Menominee | Various streets citywide | $ 240,000 |
| Montcalm | Stanton | E. Bellevue Street | $ 91,964 |
| Oakland | Oxford | Moyers Street | $ 229,887 |
| Oakland | Huntington Woods | Newport Boulevard | $ 250,000 |
| Ogemaw | Prescott | Harrison Road, Sage Lake Road, Washington Street and Greenwood Road | $ 250,000 |
| Osceola | Evart | West Third Street and Lauman Road | $ 90,000 |
| Ottawa | Hudsonville | Corporate Grove Drive and Corporate Exchange Drive | $ 209,000 |
| Saginaw | Oakley | Woodward Street | $ 227,612 |
| Sanilac | Brown City | Buby Street | $ 54,000 |
| Sanilac | Croswell | Croswell Road and Seltzer Road | $ 250,000 |
| Shiawassee | Lennon | Lennon Road | $ 103,750 |
| Tuscola | Kingston | Washington Street and Noble Street | $ 211,200 |
| Wayne | Ecorse | Florence Street, Charlotte Street and Cherrygrove Street | $ 250,000 |
Your Turn – Like This, or Hate it?
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. Idiotic, profane, or threatening comments are eliminated without remorse. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from ThumbWind Publications.
“Explore Michigan’s Thumb and the Great Lakes on our flagship site ThumbWind.com.”
Discover more from Thumbwind
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
