Lansing, MI (WGHN) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $65 million in awards through the Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF) to support transformational public transportation projects across the state. As part of last year’s landmark nearly $2 billion Sustainable Road Funding Plan, these investments will create or expand transit systems, restore service in communities that have lost access to public transportation, and improve regional connections, supporting vibrant downtowns, and making jobs, healthcare, education, and other essential services more easily accessible to Michiganders.
In Ottawa County:
Harbor Transit
Harbor Transit Service Expansion Project
Planning Studies / Implementation Plans
$621,047
MAX Transit
Transit Hub Relocation
Planning Studies / Implementation Plans
$260,000
Newaygo County is receiving four-point-three-million dollars in state funding to establish its first countywide public transportation system. The county has already tested expanded transportation through a four-year pilot program, with ridership growing to more than 25-thousand trips last year. Officials have not yet announced when the countywide system will begin operating.
In addition, Governor Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be creating a new position within the State of Michigan to help coordinate transit and rail operations. This move within the MDOT reflects Governor Whitmer’s commitment to supporting the development of public transit and strengthening mobility, ensuring that Michiganders can travel easily and safely no matter where they live or what their income level. This new position will ensure Michigan’s transportation system is ready to meet the needs of Michiganders today and in the future. This will be followed by additional actions to enhance coordination across state government to support transit and multimodal transportation.
“From rural to urban communities across the state, these investments will help expand vital public transit services and get people where they need to go,” said Governor Whitmer. “As part of my plan to fix the damn roads, we’re expanding and improving public transit with new funding and a new role in state government. Today’s announcement will strengthen regional mobility and support innovative transportation solutions, all while helping more Michiganders access jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity.”
IPAF was established as part of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and roads funding plan and provides dedicated, long-term capital for public transportation. Administered by MDOT, the fund is designed to strengthen existing transit services and advance new or enhanced transit projects across the state. These projects represent the first round of funding, not the entirety of the fund.
“MDOT is pleased to award these new transit investments to agencies across the state,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “These investments are made possible by the Neighborhood Roads Fund and provides much needed assistance to transit agencies working to connect riders to daily essentials, including health care services and jobs. Reliable public transportation helps communities thrive. These new transit investments will help us to continue delivering on our mission to serve and connect people, communities, and the economy through transportation.”
“These projects will have a huge positive impact on the residents in these communities,” said Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Public Transportation administrator. “We are thrilled to partner with local public transit agencies to make these new and expanded services possible, and ultimately connect more Michiganders with the places they need to go.”
“People’s time matters. No one should have to spend hours getting to work, school, a doctor’s appointment, or home simply because they don’t have reliable transportation,” said state Representative Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor). “These investments give communities across Michigan the resources to expand transit, strengthen connections, and build systems that serve people better. When we invest in transit, we’re investing in people’s time, their opportunities, and Michigan’s future.”
“Public transportation connects businesses with workers, people with recreational opportunities, increases the opportunity for independence, and is vital for a robust economy,” said state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe).
Together, these projects will expand public transportation across Michigan by eliminating longstanding service gaps, enhancing connections across county lines, and modernizing transit operations and technology.
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