This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $65 million in awards through the Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF) to support public transportation projects statewide. As part of last year’s nearly $2 billion Sustainable Road Funding Plan, the investments will create or expand transit systems, restore service in communities that have lost access to public transit, and improve regional connections. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is creating a new position to help coordinate transit and rail operations, ensuring the state’s transportation system is ready to meet the needs of residents today and in the future.
IPAF was established as part of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and provides dedicated, long-term capital for public transportation. Administered by MDOT, it’s designed to strengthen existing transit services and advance new or enhanced transit projects across Michigan. The projects announced this week are the first round of funding, not the entirety of the fund.
Some of the projects receiving funding include:
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- $9,980,000 to Genesee County for Transit Without Borders.
- $6,000,000 for the Downtown Grand Rapids Event Night Mobility Project.
- $10,000,000 for a rail car project for the People Mover in Detroit.
- $2,000,000 for planning and implementation of network upgrades to the Downtown Detroit Transit.
