For years, SEMCOG has proudly awarded grants to support innovative projects from Southeast Michigan’s annual allocation of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds. Through 2021, the annual TAP allocation for our region was $4.8 million dollars. While this is a relatively modest number when it comes to funding infrastructure, communities have leveraged these resources to great effect; each completed project has contributed to making Southeast Michigan’s roadways more walkable, bikeable, and environmentally sustainable. The value of these projects is two-fold, as they provide valuable case studies for future projects in addition to direct outcomes. Learn more about the TAP process and some recent awards in this post from January.
Using Increased Resources to Meet the Moment
SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee, comprised of elected officials, awards TAP funds on a rolling basis in Southeast Michigan with standardized project competitiveness criteria. At its most recent meeting earlier this month, the committee considered how to move forward with the news that Southeast Michigan’s annual TAP allocation has more than doubled, going from $4.8 million to $10.1 million as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The eligibility criteria of TAP projects will not change; however, the committee did take action to prioritize projects that respond to two significant challenges by creating two new programs.
Both of these new programs will continue to adhere to the RRC’s past selection criteria:
- Projects that are consistent with and help to implement SEMCOG’s regional plans
- Geographic Distribution
- Mix of Project Types
- Cost of Project
- “Shovel Readiness”
1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program
Resources for local projects that enhance safety for people who walk and/or bike and to reduce serious injuries and fatalities
Via TAP and other transportation funding programs, communities throughout Southeast Michigan have been investing more and more each year to retrofit the transportation system to make walking and biking easier and safer. SEMCOG works with many of our members each year to implement local and regional priorities for bicycle and pedestrian mobility. We are making progress, but the sobering reality is that Southeast Michigan is continuing to see far too many fatalities from crashes involving pedestrians and bicycles.
The majority of the system was built and continues to operate under the priority to move cars and trucks as quickly as possible. We have also been conditioned to use the system as it was designed by driving (and enforcing) at speeds that put the system’s most vulnerable users at considerable risk. While it is becoming more common for “regular” transportation projects (and not just special programs like TAP) to have nonmotorized elements, we have much work to do achieve the level of safety our region’s residents deserve.
“What is exciting about programs like TAP is the opportunity they afford communities throughout our region to see and experience innovative approaches to solving major challenges such as safety,” said Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG Executive Director.
We know several things that work to improve safety for people who walk and bike. Slowing down automobile traffic results in less severe crashes, which is part of why we are seeing communities invest in roundabouts and road diets. Separating bike lanes and mixed-use paths from automobile traffic reduces conflict points and the likelihood of bicycle and pedestrian crashes, which in turn are the most likely to have fatal outcomes. This is why SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee voted to approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program to prioritize TAP funds.
As stated in the action item:
The goal of this dedicated funding program is to provide resources for local projects that enhance the safety for those who walk and/or bike and to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roadways for those who are most vulnerable. To achieve this goal, SEMCOG is “setting aside” an annual target (specifically for FY22-24) of $5 million for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, into two primary categories:
Sidewalk and Shared-use Path Modernization
Shovel-ready projects primarily focused on retrofitting/rebuilding existing sidewalks and paths to improve safety and mobility, including:
- ADA enhancements (such as curb ramps and detectable warnings);
- Widening sidewalks to 60″ – 72″;
- Widening pathways/safety paths to 10′;
- Full reconstruction of existing sidewalks and paths.
Easements and permits should already be secured with construction engineering documents and Environmental Review completed shortly after awarding the project.
Safety and Connectivity Projects
Safety-related projects that include new infrastructure and may take longer to implement (due to permits, approvals, and other design considerations), such as:
- Crosswalk Visibility and Safety Enhancements (e.g. high-visibility crosswalks, improved lighting, leading pedestrian intervals (LPI), enhanced signage and pavement markings, curb extensions);
- Midblock crossings (e.g. marked crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, and/or medians and pedestrian refuge islands);
- Road Diets (e.g. projects that calm traffic and improve mobility and access for all road users)
- New Sidewalk and Shared-use Paths;
- Bicycle Lanes (priority may be given to projects that can install physical separation such as buffer-space, vertical bollards, curbs, or vegetation).
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Are located in an equity emphasis area and/or bicycle and pedestrian demand area;
- Address a documented safety and/or crash location involving pedestrians and/or bicyclists with FHWA’s proven safety countermeasures;
- Provide evidence of current usage;
- Enhance connectivity, accessibility, and safety in reaching core services, including schools, transit, job centers, parks, healthcare, etc;
- Utilize SEMCOG and MDOT’s Multimodal Tool.
Example Project:
Grove Road Trail Extension (Ypsilanti Township)
This project rehabilitated and extended the existing Grove Road pathway, widening it to AASHTO 10-foot standards. ADA ramps were constructed, and improvements were made in clear zones to improve safety and access.
TAP Award – $1,191,464
2.Environmental Mitigation and Stormwater Management Program
Resources for stand-alone projects that mitigate stormwater runoff, enhance water quality, and/or enhance drainage and minimize /flooding along roadways.
As severe flooding events persist and changing rainfall patterns worsen, SEMCOG is working to understand vulnerabilities in the transportation and infrastructure networks in the region and determine best practices to address these challenges. Our Earth Day post touches on changing precipitation patterns, more frequent and intense storm events, as well as how Southeast Michigan is responding to these challenges.
The extensive impervious cover associated with Southeast Michigan’s transportation system offers major opportunities to manage stormwater runoff because the majority of the stormwater infrastructure along roadways was built in a time when the needs were very different.
“The flooding our communities have experienced in recent years has made the need crystal clear,” said Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG Executive Director. “The stormwater systems were not designed to handle runoff from these extreme rain events. Implementing alternative approaches to managing excess runoff is a key element of this program.”
Existing revenue streams for water infrastructure (even with new resources from ARPA and IIJA) are insufficient to address the region’s stormwater challenges and do not recognize the need for stormwater management along roads. This is where TAP provides a benefit to local agencies.
Because the transportation system accounts for a huge portion of the region’s impervious surface, TAP funds can be used to help manage stormwater. This is why SEMCOG’s Regional Review Committee voted to approve the Environmental Mitigation and Stormwater Management Program to prioritize TAP funds.
As stated in the action item:
The goal of this dedicated funding program is to provide resources for stand-alone projects that mitigate stormwater runoff, enhance water quality, and/or enhance drainage and minimize /flooding along roadways. Stormwater management projects may or may not be located within the road right-of-way; if outside the road right-of-way, the project must be on publicly-owned property. To achieve this goal, SEMCOG is “setting aside” an annual target (specifically for FY22-24) of $2.5 million for environmental mitigation and stormwater management projects, which may include:
- Green Infrastructure that manages stormwater (e.g. techniques that infiltrate and treat stormwater runoff);
- Other stormwater best management practices that reduce runoff volume and improve local water quality; and
- Vegetation management within the right-of-way to improve road safety, manage invasive species and provide erosion control.
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Address a documented flooding or water quality challenge;
- Identify the catchment area and the annual runoff reduction; and
- Include a detailed maintenance plan with responsible party(ies) and estimated costs.
Example Project:
City Centre and Evergreen Rd Enhancement (Southfield)
- This project created facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists along Evergreen Rd. In addition to 10-foot wide multi-use path, mid-block plaza-like refuge island and planters, decorative stamped concrete cross walks, and wayfinding signage, this project addressed stormwater with elements such as pervious pavers and a rain garden.
- TAP Award – $449,968
Next steps
SEMCOG staff are looking forward to assisting Southeast Michigan’s local governments who are interested in implementing these new programs and applying for funds. SEMCOG staff will talk more about these programs at an upcoming SEMCOG University this May (check our calendar for a registration link, coming soon).
We continue to learn more and collaboratively explore opportunities to address these challenges through two active task forces, the Traffic Safety Task Force and the Water Infrastructure Task Force. We look forward to sharing updates on the progress of these groups.
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