Information Sign Against Street

By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Wednesday that the Marquette County Road Commission will receive $375,000 in funding for road resurfacing to improve road conditions and safety.

Whitmer said in the press release that these grants will “help communities across Michigan fix local roads faster to get people to work, allow businesses to expand and move goods all year-round.”

“Since I took office, Michigan has fixed 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges while supporting more than 100,000 jobs, and today’s funding will add to that total,” Whitmer said. “Let’s keep working together to fix the damn roads so people can go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands without blowing a tire or cracking an axle. Let’s get this done to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The Marquette County Road Commission will resurface Cherry Creek Road from County Road 480 approximately 7,920 feet, which includes milling, paving and new curb and gutter. The all-season road provides access between the U.S. 41 and M-28 intersection to County Road 480.

The project’s total cost is $764,045. While state funding covers $375,000 of the project’s cost, the Marquette County Road Commission will contribute $389,045.

“I have been and will continue to be a big advocate for investments being made in Upper Peninsula infrastructure, so I’m very glad MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) selected Gogebic and Marquette County for these road repair grants,” state Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, said in Wednesday’s press release. “I’m proud that our hard work to improve the strength and quality of life in our rural communities is paying off — the collaboration between lawmakers, the governor and state departments makes genuine positive change for Michigan and our residents. This program is placing Yoopers’ tax dollars right back in their communities by improving the roads they use every day, making our communities safer and stronger. I look forward to sharing more details on the projects these grants will fund and how many good-paying jobs they will create.”

The Mining Journal reached out to the Marquette County Road Commission for comment but did not hear back before publication deadline.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 548. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.