November 30, 2007 - -A 100-mile network of non-motorized trails and greenways in southeast Michigan has been honored by the Federal Highway Administration. Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Kirk T. Steudle accepted the award for "exceptional environmental stewardship" at the Nov. 29 State Transportation Commission meeting in Lansing.
"This award reflects our commitment to making non-motorized trails available as a transportation mode," said Steudle. "Trails are a part of the transportation mix that is essential to protecting the health and well being of Michigan residents, and greenways contribute to enhancing quality of life."
The Southeastern Michigan GreenWays Initiative is a public and private partnership that has worked since 2001 to develop and finance a 100-mile network of greenways involving more than 75 municipalities in Warren, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe Washtenaw, St. Clair and Livingston counties.
Greenways provide recreation, transportation, education, conservation, water quality, tourism and economic benefits by creating non-motorized trails in developed areas, while nurturing and preserving green space and providing trails in undeveloped areas. The GreenWays Initiative of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan is a comprehensive effort aimed at expanding and enhancing the natural landscape of Southeast Michigan. An initial privately donated $25 million has been used to leverage over $82 million in investments by public and private sources.
The Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and the Michigan Trails and
Greenways Alliance were co-recipients of the award, which speaks to the collaborative nature of
the project, said Steudle. MDOT has been a partner since the planning phase in 1995, which was funded by federal transportation enhancement activity funds, and state planning and research program funds, he noted.
A GIS database was developed, based on input from a broad range of partners in each county, to document potential corridors, natural areas, land uses, existing public parks and preserves and trails/greenways. The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, formerly the Rails to Trails Conservancy, played a large role in identifying the corridors.
"This is a great example of how a public/private partnership can make a significant difference in the lives of many citizens," said Steudle.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45!
- A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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