Our focus is on fixing local roads

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today announced that the city of Chelsea has been awarded a $250,000 state grant to help reconstruct Commerce Park Drive, improving safety and accessibility for local businesses, residents, and visitors.

The funding, awarded through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Category B program, will support a full-depth replacement of roadway asphalt pavement and aggregate base material on Commerce Park Drive from South Main Street/M-52 to Brown Drive. The project also includes concrete repairs to driveways, curbs, and gutters, as well as upgrades to sidewalk ramps to meet current ADA standards. Additional improvements will include pavement markings, signage, and minor utility repairs.

The city of Chelsea will contribute $370,800 in matching funds to complete the $620,800 project.

“This investment will make a real difference for people and businesses in Chelsea,” said Schmaltz, R-Jackson. “Commerce Park Drive is a key commercial area, and these improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure stability. I’m proud to see the state partnering with our local community to get it done.”

The CSIF program, established by the Legislature in 2018 and administered by MDOT, provides crucial assistance to small cities and villages with populations under 10,000 that have limited access to other road funding sources. Projects are selected based on their coordination with other infrastructure work, cost efficiency, and focus on extending the useful life of local roads.

“This is a great example of how state and local governments can work together to strengthen the roads that small communities rely on every day,” Schmaltz said.

In addition to the CSIF grant, Schmaltz noted that this year’s state budget includes significant increases in ongoing funding for local road repairs. The city of Chelsea will receive $990,700 for local road funding this year — up 33.4% from last year’s total of $742,600.