MATS Approves FY 2024 Unified Work Program

At its May 2, 2024 meeting, the MATS Policy Committee approved the final FY 2024 Unified Work Program, that prioritizes and directs staff effort for the coming fiscal year. The document also lays out the agency budget, funding sources, and distribution of work tasks. It can be found here.

MATS Releases Draft FY 2024 Unified Work Program

MATS has release the draft version of the FY 2024 Unified Work Program (UWP) document for public review. The FY 2024 Unified Work Program (UWP)describes the transportation planning tasks and activities scheduled for the period from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024to be performed by the MATS staff, in coordination with Transit Operators, local agencies, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). 

Take a minute to read the draft report, and send us a comment.

Barstow Airport and EAA Promote Aviation

Catalyst Midland (www.secondwavemedia.com) reports on the collaboration between Midland’s Barstow Airport the the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association to promote careers and interest in aviation.

Barstow Airport/ EAA

Have you heard of a hidden gem? Have you ever found one? A hidden gem is defined as something possessing a value or beauty that is not immediately apparent, which therefore has received far less recognition than it deserves. I’ve lived in Midland Country my whole life and I’ve only just discovered a hidden gem for myself in Barstow Airport. For those who have known of the wonderful programs and activities that this community area provides, I applaud you. For those like me who never knew all the wonders of this community gem, I invite you to learn more about your community airport. 
The Jack Barstow Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport located in the City of Midland. “This is truly the community's airport,” says Sarah Pagano, airport manager, “It is open to the community to use to learn and discover more about aviation.” Pagano says that the airport's mission is to, “Inspire, encourage, and support aviation.” Barstow airport is an important part of our community’s infrastructure, supporting medical flights and agriculture aircraft as well. 

The EAA chapter at Barstow offers flights for veterans.

While being home to over 40 aircraft hangers supporting nearly 20,000 operations (takeoffs and landings) each year, the Barstow airport has become known for their unique place in the Midland community. “This is for you,” Pagano says of the community spaces on the Barstow property. The Midland Community Aviation Discovery Area (MCADA) is a play space for kids of all ages to see, sit, and learn about aviation. In this MCADA area, which is open to the public, visitors are welcome to explore an aircraft, watch airplanes take off and land on one of the two runways at Barstow. In the summer, it is not uncommon to see community members using thepavilion in the MCADA area for parties and get togethers, or hanging out in the airport terminal for a visit with fellow aviation enthusiasts. 

A future pilot?

In addition to being the Airport Manager, Pagano is the President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1093. Pagano says that the EAA’s mission is to, “share the spirit of aviation.” Through the chapter’s partnership with the Barstow airport, they are able to do that in a number of ways. The EAA chapter and its members assist the airport sponsored events that include a 5K along the airfield, an aviation Camp for 10th-12th graders, and a Flight Night program which is a collaboration with Midland Public Schools 3rd graders. The Flight Night for 3rd graders is set up in the MCADA area, where the students attend different learning stations to build their knowledge about aviation. The aviation camp is where Pagano credits her first introduction to aviation in 2001, and 22 years later she is working where she started her journey and is excited everyday to share her passion for aviation with others. 
Arian Perez is a student pilot who is working toward her pilot license with the goal to be a flight instructor. She is the Vice President and Publicity Chair of EAA Chapter 1093. When asked why Perez is so passionate about aviation and sharing her passion with others, she says, “Flying checks all the boxes, fun, growth, education, freedom, adventure, a little bit of danger, it's challenging, problem solving, and never the same.” Perez also says, through learning about aviation and attending the flight school, she “has met some great people.” 

The EAA is building a RV12 Kit airplane.

EAA Chapter 1093 focuses on education, anyone can join the chapter, you don’t have to be a pilot, just be someone who wants to learn more about aviation. Monthly meetings include expert speakers in the aviation field, and chapter members are currently working together to build an aircraft. They meet on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. They are working to build  a RV12 Kit Airplane. Perez says that, “Many of the pilots (she has met) have built their own aircraft.” 
With education being one of the main goals of the EAA chapter, a biannual Pancake Breakfast, which brings in around 700 community members, is served as a fundraiser for their scholarship program for future pilots. In addition to the scholarship program, the EAA Chapter also sponsors a Santa fly-in, a Trick-or-Treating event held on the airfield called “Props and Treats”, and flights for Veterans. The  pilots also volunteer their time for the Young Eagles Program. Young Eagles Days occurs on the  second Saturday of each month. The next session is this Saturday, March 11, from 9am-Noon.  This program was created with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. These air flights are open to children age 8-17, to register for your child's free flight, visit YoungEaglesDay.org
On the second Sunday of each month at 3pm, Pagano hosts ‘“Airport Storytime”. It’s geared toward toddlers and younger elementary students. Children who attend the monthly storytime will enjoy snacks and a craft while also hearing aviation stories. This monthly event is open to the public. 

The flight school on site at Barstow airport is named Slipstream Aviation. This is a Part 61 flight school with 3 instructors educating on 4 aircrafts. Slipstream offers private license, commercial license, instrument reading and Flight Instructor Certification (CFI). Aviation as a career is growing, and Slipstream is passionate about helping anyone interested in aviation get started. Slipstream offers discovery flights, which are introductory lessons with an instructor. Perez says, “You don’t have to commit to flight training after the discovery flight, this could be a great gift for a friend or family member.” 

An aviation camp is held for 10th-12th graders at Barstow.

The Barstow airport has many things to offer community members of all ages, “You can walk in anytime, I don't think the community realizes how many great things we do here at the airport,” says Perez. 
The Jack Barstow Municipal Airport and EAA Chapter 1093 are located at 6603 Barstow Drive in Midland. The airport is accessed from Airport Road between Sturgeon and Eastman Roads. It borders the Midland County Fairgrounds. The airport is named for a Midland based pilot who learned about aviation from Orville Wright, one of the Wright brothers, American aviation pioneers.  To learn more about community events and offerings at Barstow, call (989) 835-3231 or check out their Facebook page. 

MDOT Issues Baseline Report for 2022-2025 Bridge Condition Data

In the most recent edition of the Bridge Performance Management Newsletter, MDOT has released data illustrating the baseline 2022 condition of bridges on the designated National Highway System (NHS), both statewide and for all MPOs in Michigan. In addition, statewide targets for bridges in Good, Fair, and Poor condition are presented, by deck area of all bridges on the NHS. By June 14, 2023 (180 days following establishment of State targets), MPOs are required to develop 2- year and 4-year targets for each bridge measure in coordination with MDOT.

MBA Announces $3.75 Million in Federal Appropriations for Mid-Michigan

After passing in the U.S. House and Senate, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 was signed by President Joe Biden on December 29. The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) Advisory Committee on Infrastructure announced that a total of $3.75 million was included in this legislation for three local flood reduction and resiliency projects, thanks to the committee’s work with local partners and legislators.

“We thank our representatives in Washington, D.C. – especially Congressman John Moolenaar and Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters – for including our requests for fiscal year 2023, which were included in the final omnibus funding bill,” said Tony Stamas, MBA President and CEO. “Like the federal project funding we received for 2022, these 2023 funds will help with mid-Michigan’s restoration and resiliency building after recent flood events.”

The appropriations bill included these projects and policy direction:

• $1 million for the City of Midland – Sylvan pump station detention basin project

• $2 million for the MyMichigan Medical Center Midland – boiler plant and flood resiliency project

• $750,000 for Midland County – floodplain reconnection and enhancement project

• Report language that directs the coordination between five federal agencies to support environment-based flood mitigation measures

Sylvan Pump Station Detention Basin

During the 2017 flood, neighborhoods upstream and downstream from the Sylvan pump station were impacted severely, causing extensive private property damage in excess of $20 million. An estimated 300,000 gallons of wastewater bypassed the Sylvan pump station and ended up in the Valley pump station district. As a result, the City of Midland is installing a one-million-gallon detention basin to hold the excess flow that overwhelmed the Sylvan pump station previously. A pump station will be added to the existing station to pump excess wastewater into the basin when necessary. Part of Midland’s larger Concept 5 Sewer Improvement Plan, this detention basin is expected to benefit the Sylvan area by alleviating overburdened sewer pipes during significant events, while having a positive impact downstream as well.

“This detention basin will provide storage capacity at three times the volume we saw with the 2017 flood,” said Brad Kaye, Midland City Manager. “This increase in storage capacity not only provides additional security and resiliency, it also creates more flexibility for the City in controlling how much of the water is injected back into the system following a flood event. Ground saturation, rain volume and routine seasonal impacts to the City’s collection system can vary. This increase in storage is simply more beneficial.”

In December, the construction of this new detention basin began in Russell Park near the Sylvan lift station on Sylvan Lane. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.

The $1 million grant for the City of Midland comes from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) program. The City is expected to provide matching funds under EPA STAG program requirements, and the City is applying for state revolving loan funds for this project and other components of the sanitary and storm sewer improvements.

MyMichigan Resiliency

MyMichigan Medical Center Midland sustained damage exceeding $13 million from the May 2020 flood. The hospital experienced power outages in several care units and the cafeteria/kitchen; nine feet of sewer effluent in the lower level; and flooding of campus facilities, including the EMS/ambulance facility, urgent care operations, and the boiler plant. The boiler plant – which provides steam for critical functions at the hospital and campus – was surrounded by five feet of water. The boilers had to be shut off because of floodwaters enveloping the natural gas meters that feed them. Also, the underground pipes connecting the boiler plant to the hospital were damaged beyond repair. A temporary boiler system with insufficient capacity was brought online to serve on an interim basis.

“MyMichigan Medical Center is working with the Midland Business Alliance and other local partners and stakeholders to recover and rebuild from the devastating impact of the 2020 flood,” said Rob Young, MBA, CHFM, NICET, System Director of Facilities and Construction, MyMichigan Health. “The construction of a new boiler plant, located outside of the flood-prone area on higher ground, is essential to support critical functions of the hospital and campus, including heating, humidification, sterilization processes, hot water, and the supply of 160-degree water required for operations of the hospital’s kitchen.”

The $2 million grant comes from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Facilities Construction and Equipment funding. This funds part of MyMichigan Medical Center’s larger project to relocate mechanical and electrical infrastructure for greater flood resiliency. The $2 million will fund the early construction phase of the estimated $8 million boiler plant to be constructed on the south side of the Orchard Building. This includes site work and foundations (excavation, footings, piers, foundation wall, floor slab, site concrete and asphalt) and the core and shell (structural steel, roofing, masonry, doors, glass, fire suppression, electrical and HVAC). Separately, the Michigan legislature approved $5 million in 2022 for this project.

This first phase will be completed in 2023, with the new boilers installed and operational by 2024. To improve resiliency, the boiler plant will have a diesel backup system for continuity of operations in case of natural gas service disruption.

Midland County Floodplain Reconnection and Enhancement

Midland County has hundreds of miles of “trapezoidal” drains, which are deep, V-shaped open ditches.

“There are two reasons why this design is flawed,” said Joe Sova, Midland County Drain Commissioner. “Historically, soil from the trench was piled up on the sides when these drains were constructed. This practice ‘disconnected’ – or caused a barrier between – the naturally present floodplains and their adjacent watercourses. Second, the shape of the drains increases stormwater velocity during intense precipitation. Today, we understand that we need to slow down the velocity of stormwater to reduce downstream flooding and soil erosion.”

Sova and Midland County are working with the Nature Conservancy, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), private landowners and other local partners and stakeholders to redesign traditional drains, improve stormwater drainage and reconnect floodplains.

The $750,000 grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations. This will support a project to create ecologically functional floodplains and to improve stormwater drainage, allowing stormwater to flow into formerly disconnected floodplains. Traditional trapezoidal channels will be converted to sustainable, two-stage channels to mimic natural stream characteristics.

“A two-stage drainage ditch slows stormwater velocity during large runoff events, reduces soil erosion, encourages vegetation growth and wildlife habitat, improves soil health and water quality, and reduces damage caused by floods,” said Sova. “This allows the deposit of sediments adjacent to the main channel, keeping those deposits from filling or obstructing the ditch farther downstream or from eventually reaching the Saginaw Bay. This proven design also allows the main channel of the drain to be self-cleaning – eliminating or significantly reducing the amount of mechanical dredging needed to keep the ditch functioning.”

Federal Coordination on Flood Mitigation

Finally, report language was included in five individual fiscal year 2023 appropriations bills in the passed legislation. The legislative report language urges the coordination on environment-based flood mitigation measures among five separate federal agencies: EPA, USDA, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

18.7:1 “ROI” from Committee

The MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure was formed in 2021 to examine infrastructure issues that impact the quality of life and economic vitality of mid-Michigan. Legacy flooding challenges and related sanitary sewer issues are its first focus.

Ten community organizations and businesses provided early funding to support the committee’s efforts: Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, Corteva, Dow Company Foundation, Fisher Companies, Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, Midland Area Community Foundation, MyMichigan Health, Patricia and David Kepler Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, and Three Rivers Corporation.

“We raised almost $900,000 initially from our donors. To date, the return on their community investment has been multiplied by 18.7 thanks to the efforts of our committee and our legislators. We feel proud that these $16.4 million in grants will help rebuild from the floods and make us more resilient in the future,” said Lee Ann Keller, co-chair of the MBA Advisory Committee on Infrastructure.

In addition to the latest $3.75 million in appropriations, the committee helped bring an additional $12.65 million to the Midland area in 2022. This includes:

• $1.65 million in FY 2022 Federal Community Project Funding – $750,000 for the City of Midland storm/sanitary sewer improvements project, $500,000 for Midland Center for the Arts revitalization following flooding, and $400,000 for Midland County flood data collection tools/planning

• $3 million estimated savings from FEMA cost-share adjustment for 2020-21 major disasters (adjusted from a 75% federal share to “no less than 90% of eligible costs”)

• $3 million state appropriations for flood reduction planning (engineering services for shorter-term projects and second USACE study)

• $5 million from Michigan Public Acts of 2022 toward the MyMichigan Medical Center Midland boiler plant/flood resiliency

MATS Releases FY 2022 Annual Report

Midland Area Transportation Study

Press Release

     Contact:                                                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

     Maja Bolanowska or Bryan Gillett                                                 

     (989) 832-6333                                                               

     majab@midlandmpo.org

Overall Transportation Investment in MATS Area at $14.2 Million in FY 2022; Federal $$ supported by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

MIDLAND, MI., December 27th, 2022- The Midland Area Transportation Study (MATS) has released its Annual Report, showing Federal funding obligated in the MATS area for Fiscal Year 2022 for transportation related projects (roads, bridges, non-motorized, etc.).  State and Local funds are included in the report for reference where required for federal match.  

Key facts from the 2022 MATS Annual Report:

·         Transportation funding totaling nearly $14.2 million was invested into the MATS area transportation network through Federal, State and Local sources.

·         Transportation investment in the MATS area has increased 12% from FY 2021, significantly aided by Federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, otherwise known as the BIL.

·         Federal funding increased to $9.25 million dollars from the previous $6.4 million, a 45% increase.

·         $7.8 million in federal funds was invested in roads and bridges, along with $1.4 million in transit.

·         State of Michigan investment in the area remained consistent.

According to MATS Director Maja Bolanowska, these Federal obligations "allow many projects to be completed each year. All these categories of funding represent federal gas tax revenues coming back to the local community”. 

About the Midland Area Transportation Study: MATS is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Midland Area, established in January 2013. MATS focuses on regional transportation planning services and helps to foster inter-governmental cooperation. MATS is a policy-making agency, developing transportation plans and programming Federal-aid projects while providing public outreach regarding transportation issues. The MATS metropolitan planning region is defined as the entire geographic County of Midland, the geographic area of City of Auburn and Williams Township within Bay County as well as Tittabawassee Township in Saginaw County. For additional information, please visit www.midlandmpo.org or call (989) 832-6333.

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MDOT video highlights another year of significant investment in transportation infrastructure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2022 

MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Cranson
517-648-8247
CransonJ@Michigan.gov

MDOT video highlights another year of significant investment
in transportation infrastructure

Fast facts:
- A new Michigan Department of Transportation video highlights some of the most impactful projects statewide in 2022.
- The Rebuilding Michigan program provided another boost in funding to rebuild projects on Michigan's most traveled state highways and bridges.
- The funding supported more than 10,000 jobs across the state this year, and improved infrastructure will pave the way for more economic development and jobs in years to come.

LANSING, Mich. - As winter maintenance crews gear up for a major winter storm in the forecast, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released a new video highlighting another year of progress in rebuilding Michigan's transportation infrastructure and the impact these projects had on local communities. With more than a billion dollars invested in roads and bridges across the state, MDOT and its partners delivered on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's promise to address decades of underinvestment in the state's transportation system.

The governor's Rebuilding Michigan program provided another boost in funding to rebuild projects on Michigan's most traveled state highways and bridges (I, M and US routes), as well as important tourist routes. These projects supported more than 10,000 jobs across the state, with the improved infrastructure paving the way for more economic development and jobs in years to come.

"No one gets as excited about infrastructure as I do. Over the last four years, we've made some incredible progress to fix those damn roads and bridges, repairing 16,000 lane miles and 1,200 bridges," said Gov. Whitmer. "Think about the incredible amount of work that goes into the engineering, digging up the old, laying all the new foundation. It is an incredible undertaking that has to be done with precision and skill so that we keep people safe on these roads, and that's why I am in awe of the incredible men and women who do this work."

In Flint, a $100 million project along I-69 and the I-475 interchange wrapped up this fall with bridge repairs and 2.5 miles of road rebuilt from Fenton Road to M-54. This busy corridor is vital to the state's manufacturing community and helps support more than 1,200 jobs throughout the area.

"It's really gratifying to see this new 21st century infrastructure that's going to serve our community, serve the people who live here but also help us to attract the kind of investment that is really essential to our future," said U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee.

In Mackinaw City, one of the busiest stretches of road for tourism saw a major overhaul with an important resurfacing and rebuilding project on I-75 and US-23 just south of the Mackinac Bridge, including the US-23 overpass at I-75 being rebuilt. Local law enforcement sees this project as another way to help keep motorists safe.

"MDOT coming in to improve the roadways, curbs, traffic, traffic controls… it's huge," said Mackinaw City Police Chief Todd Woods. "It's a benefit to the village itself and tourists who are coming up to see us."

In Berrien County, a new interchange connecting US-31 with I-94/I-196 finally became a reality after nearly three decades of challenges. The two-year, $94 million project included rebuilding 3.5 miles of I-94 and building new bridges at Britain Avenue and Benton Center Road to help traffic through the newly created interchange. This highly traveled route will benefit from quicker travel times and less congestion, making travel safer through the area.

"It's just great, and it's just going to build our commerce here so much," said Berrien County Commissioner Jim Martin. "This road connects north, south, east, and west now. It's like the hub coming from Chicago, from Indiana, coming down from the north from Grand Rapids, and coming over from Detroit."

More project information is available on the MDOT website.

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Protect MI work zones by taking the pledge.

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www.Michigan.gov/MDOT  |  www.Michigan.gov/Drive  |  Contact MDOT 

Peters Bill to Protect Michigan Communities from Future Changes to Metropolitan Area Standards Signed into Law

12.05.2022

Future Changes Could Threaten Access to Critical Federal Resources for at Least Six Michigan Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to help protect communities in Michigan from losing access to important federal funding because of possible changes to the population threshold for metropolitan areas, was signed into law. Communities count on this designation for federal funding that goes towards important programs. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had previously proposed increasing the population threshold for metropolitan areas from 50,000 to 100,000 which could have threatened access to vital federal resources for communities across the nation, including six in Michigan. Cities that could have been affected by this change include Battle Creek, Bay City, Jackson, Midland, Monroe, and Niles-Benton Harbor. However, following calls from Peters, OMB announced it would halt the proposed change. Peters’ bipartisan bill will ensure that future modifications to this designation are carefully deliberated to prevent unintended consequences.

“Untested changes to metropolitan area standards could put communities throughout Michigan at risk of losing access to vital federal resources,” said Senator Peters. “This new law will ensure that the federal government carefully considers how changes to this classification may impact communities across the nation before they go into effect.”

Metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) were created to standardize and identify the nation’s largest centers of population and activity. Metropolitan and non-metropolitan designations are used by agencies across the federal government to determine eligibility for funding and services. OMB’s previously proposed change could have impacted federal resources for nearly 150 communities across the nation. While losing MSA status may not necessarily result in a loss of federal funds, future changes to the designation should undergo careful consideration to prevent any unintended consequences.

The Metropolitan Areas Protection and Standardization Act will provide needed analysis and transparency by requiring OMB to collaborate with federal agencies to study and disclose the impacts to federal programs before any change to metropolitan area standards can be implemented. The bill will extend the public comment period for potential changes and ensure the public is aware of how MSAs are used to determine federal benefits. Finally, the legislation will also instruct OMB to publish a report on the estimated impact to domestic assistance programs for any proposed change to metropolitan area standards.

The Metropolitan Areas Protection and Standardization Act is supported by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Rural Health Association, the National Association of Counties, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Association of Counties, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, the Battle Creek, Michigan City Manager’s Office, Mayor Marcus Muhammad of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and Kinexus.