Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• What is MI-FAST?

  MI-FAST (Michigan Innovative Finance Asset Scan for Transportation) is an exploratory study led by MDOT that looks at the lifecycle costs of needed Michigan transportation projects and estimates the benefits of new revenue to accelerate those projects. Ultimately, MI-FAST will help educate decision-makers and the public on the benefits of adequate long-term and sustainable transportation funding.

• How many projects are being considered?

  The study reviewed 235 projects from across all seven MDOT regions. Of those, up to 12 candidate projects will be selected for evaluation of cost, community priorities and other feasibility factors.

• What types of projects are included?

  Projects included highways, bridges, rail and other major transportation assets. Candidate projects were selected from MDOT’s Five-Year Transportation Program, unfunded needs lists, stakeholder engagement and ongoing studies.

• How will the study team understand the unique background of the 12 candidate projects?

  The MI-FAST Study team is coordinating closely with MDOT Region staff with local project background knowledge and context as part of the analysis of the 12 candidate projects. The candidate projects included in MI-FAST are unfunded and, as such, are not scheduled for design and/or construction at this time.

• What was the project screening process conducted as part of MI-FAST?

  

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  Project screening results 

  Breakdown of three-tier screening process.

  • 235 projects input into screening criteria

  Passed Tier 1

  Baseline considerations - Meets base grant criteria, supported by MDOT, needs extensive repair or replacement

  • 103 projects passed Tier 1

  Passed Tier 2

  Social benefits - Improves safety, improves local economy, potential to improve traffic and congestion and strong public or stakeholder interest

  • 32 projects passed Tier 2

  Passed Tier 3

  Grant-specific considerations - New revenue potential, acceleration benefits and opportunities for private sector collaboration

  • 12 projects passed Tier 3

  Of the 235 projects, 211 had preliminary cost estimates totaling $22.6 billion in unfunded needs.

• Does MI-FAST build or fund the selected projects?

  MI-FAST does not provide funding for project construction. Instead, it studies options, identifies opportunities for new funding or partnerships, and develops tools to help MDOT draw attention to unfunded projects across Michigan.

• Why is this study needed now?

  There are critical MDOT projects around Michigan that could improve asset condition and safety if adequate funding was available. MI-FAST will explore innovative delivery options that could be applied to accelerate needed projects.

• Who is involved in this effort?

  The USDOT Build America Bureau is the grant sponsor. MDOT is the program sponsor and grant recipient, supported by the Michigan Infrastructure Office. HNTB serves as technical advisor while another consultant serves as financial advisor.

• How does MI-FAST relate to other MDOT transportation plans?

  MI-FAST is not a replacement for transportation planning efforts. It builds on existing statewide, regional and project-specific transportation plans by adding a financial and delivery lens. In other words, MI-FAST utilizes the priorities already identified in current MDOT plans and studies to determine how projects could be delivered sooner or through new approaches.

• How can the public get involved?

  MDOT will share updates on the MI-FAST study and gather feedback on candidate projects through this study website. Throughout the study, community members are encouraged to provide feedback through MDOT’s Public Involvement Management Application (PIMA) form linked on this website. Individuals can also subscribe for study updates through PIMA.