State budget improves transportation, prioritizes road safety
LANSING, Mich. (Aug. 3, 2023) — Gov. Whitmer signed the FY ’24 budget, which is one of the most comprehensive, equitable budgets Michiganders have seen in decades.
The legislative majority made investments in long-neglected infrastructure needs — securing one-time funding for the most critical road and bridge projects across the state. Among the record infrastructure and transportation investments, Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) delivered $4 million to repair the crumbling North Park Drive, a highly-traveled road used by area commuters to access the local hospital, community college and residential units.
Sen. Moss and Rep. Hoskins issued the following statements on this budget win:
“This is a huge budget win for Southfield residents and area commuters — improving safe access to Ascension Providence Hospital, Oakland Community College and more — and I’m proud to work with Rep. Hoskins to deliver it,” said Sen. Moss. “I am looking forward to the overall transportation investments within the state budget improving road infrastructure throughout our district and across the state. These victories are hard-won and based on the partnership of state legislators and our local leaders, ensuring the immediate needs of our constituents are being met.”
“I’m ecstatic for the investments we’ve brought home to our districts, which include safer roads, bridges and crucial municipal infrastructure investments,” said Rep. Hoskins. “Serving District 18 is not a privilege I take lightly. When I came to voters’ doors last year, I made a promise to be ready on day one to deliver for our district and I believe these local investments speak volumes to that commitment. I’m so grateful to work alongside such phenomenal legislators like Senator Moss to deliver wins for Southfield.”
Local leaders released additional statements:
“I’m grateful to our state legislators and Governor Whitmer for the investments in our city,” said Southfield Mayor Ken Siver. “In my eight years as mayor, we have made significant improvements in our city and we are excited to receive much needed funds for local roads.”
“Improving the roads around Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus and across the city of Southfield will facilitate easier access to our healthcare facilities and help our doctors continue to care for those we are privileged to serve,” said Ascension Michigan Regional President & CEO Dr. Michael Wiemann. “With the health and safety of our patients, associates and providers our top priority, these improvements will positively impact patient care and service. We thank Representative Jason Hoskins and Senator Jeremy Moss for their work in securing this much-needed road improvement funding.”
“Investments in transportation infrastructure in our community are so important, and especially so for students and employees. Improvements in our roads help remove barriers and improve access to education and employment,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “As a commuter school, OCC students drive and take public transportation to campus every week. These road improvements support their ability to safely commute to classes on our Southfield campus and stay on track with their education. Our civic leaders work well together to continually address the needs of the community with this investment and the impact is far reaching and appreciated.”
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