GCMPC 2021 Accomplishments Report

Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission

From the Director

Looking back on 2021, I see a time of resilience and possibility. Our community and world have faced challenging times for many months and with those challenges came a need to respond. Funding and new programming from the federal level was a large focus for GCMPC this year. Through these efforts we were able to help our communities, local businesses, and residents look forward to the future. I want to thank our staff for being a team that continues to work hard together to make things happen for our residents.

The 2021 accomplishment report highlights our major programs along with the new programming and initiatives that will move our community efforts forward into the future. From the CARES Act COVID assistance funds, the county-wide Roundabout Study, and changes to the Solid Waste funding for future recycling efforts, we touch on a wide range of activities to strengthen the resiliency of our communities, residents, and the environment.

I invite you to review program details, plans, reports, and meeting information on our website at gcmpc.org.

Looking forward, Derek

Bradshaw, Director

Alicia Williams Planner

Sharon Gregory Lead Planner

Nichole Odette Program Services Specialist

Andy Trudeau Housing Rehab Specialist III

Cody Roblyer Lead Planner

Anthony Kelly Planner

Gwynneth Coselman Planner

Damon Fortney Lead Planner

Jason Nordberg Division Manager

Sheila Taylor Division Manager

Derek Bradshaw Director Christine Durgan Assistant Director

These staff moved on to pursue other endeavors in 2021: Debby Compton, Jacob Maurer, Katie Mehl, Brett Blankenship & Jill Floeter

1,722 Households Assisted by Pandemic Relief Funds

37 People Assisted with Home Repairs

1,120 People Receiving Housing & Homelessness Assistance

20.17 Roads Repaved

534 Contractors Through Our

2,707 Miles Condition

Investment in Genesee County

People

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Local units of government throughout the County continued to focus on projects to benefit low to moderate income residents. CDBG projects were completed and included physical improvements to public facilities, infrastructure, and public service activities which benefited 63,808 residents and expended $1,522,450 of CDBG funds.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

Habitat for Humanity continued to provide safe, new, affordable housing. Utilizing $148,291 of HOME funds, two single family homes were constructed in Vienna Township. These homes were built completely accessible and include Energy Starrated appliances and water-saving fixtures.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

Genesee County service and emergency shelter providers were awarded funds to help people avoid homelessness by providing emergency shelter, rent/utility assistance, and food/basic need assistance. $142,971 in ESG funds were expended during the year, helping 1,116 people.

History Trail

Encouraging tourism continued to be a key focus in the region. The Huron County Economic Development Corporation began creating a History Trail network that will include state historic markers, museums, and points of historical significance. The network will include historic photos using an augmented reality application. The GLS Region V Planning and Development Commission is providing $30,000 in funding for this project. The Huron County EDC is partnering with the MSU Extension, along with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and the Michigan History Museum, for technical assistance.

Home Improvement Program

The Home Improvement Program saw some exciting changes during the year. Staff developed and launched an Urgent Repair Program in response to the growing need for an emergency repair program in the County. The program helps eligible homeowners experiencing well, septic, furnace, or roof failures, providing assistance that quickly responds to health and safety needs.

Streamlining client applications and program processes was also a focus. A new web-based software program was implemented for homeowner applications, collecting contractor information, awarding bids, and tracking budgets. Interested applicants can access the program at http:// gcmpc.org/need-housing-repairs.

CARES Act

Implementing new programming in response to COVID-19 was a key community development endeavor. Over $3.7 million was received as part of the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act and the Emergency Solutions Grant CARES Act programs. Small businesses, restaurants, basic needs programs, senior housing facilities, and rental/mortgage/utility assistance programs were funded.

GCMPC partnered with Metro Community Development, Catholic Charities, and GCCARD to provide rent, mortgage, and utility assistance and over 185 households received help.

A portion of CDBG-CV funds supported small businesses in recovering losses due to the pandemic. Thirty-four qualifying small businesses received grants up to $10,000 under this program.

Infrastructure

Transportation Investment

Over $154 million was invested into the County transportation system. $91.7 was utilized for resurfacing and reconstructing 20.17 miles, while additional funds were used for other transportation improvements including bridge work and commuter services.

Staff prepared for the 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program. Applications were received from transportation providers that have jurisdiction over facilities or services within the County. Project applications included: federal road preservation, reconstruction, and expansion programs, the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program, the transit program, and the Transportation Alternatives and Safe Routes to Schools Programs.

Rural Task Force (RTF)

Region V programming saw the award and distribution of federal and state funds to Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties. The Rural Task Force funds will be utilized to make road improvements in rural communities as well as help the transit agencies purchase new buses.

Roundabout Study

Roundabouts provide safer, smarter traffic flows. Finding good locations for roundabouts was the focus of a study in 2021. In partnership with Rowe Professional Services, 3,600 intersections were analyzed and 14 intersections were determined to be good candidates for conversion to a roundabout. Early engineering, computer simulations, and safety analysis were conducted on the intersections to test suitability for conversion. The study provided communities with the analysis needed to make decisions regarding the development of roundabouts in the County. The complete Roundabout Study is available on the website at https://www.rowepsc.com/ rabs/.

Road Ratings

Staff rated the conditions of 2,707 miles of Genesee County’s road network. The results of the Federal Aid Network rating showed that the roads are 28% poor, 56% fair, and 16% good. These ratings are used to assist in determining where funding should be focused and provides a general overview of the state of our roads.

Dort Highway Extension

Over ten years ago, GCMPC coordinated a Freight and Connectivity Study for Genesee County This study resulted in construction of the County’s first new primary road, now nearing completion. The two-phase construction project for the Dort Highway Extension included improvement to the I-75 interchange south to Cook Road in Grand Blanc Township. Improvements included four ramp reconstructions to roundabouts as well as intersection improvements. The second phase, expected to be completed in 2022, includes a roundabout and paving work on Cook Road. A nonmotorized trail will run along Dort Highway and will eventually connect to the Ascension Genesys trailway.

The multi-year effort will create improvements in traffic flow, safety, and recreation for the community. The project is a great example of planning, negotiation, and cooperation coming together to create important improvements in an area expected to see continued growth.

Environment

Education & Outreach Recycle Day & Tire Collection Events

Promoting Genesee County recycling programs and educating the public about proper recycling techniques is a primary goal of the Solid Waste Management Plan. Staff answered over 1,500 calls, emails, and social media comments providing recycling information to residents. Staff also partnered with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on their Recycling Raccoon educational marketing campaign. This partnership provided social media posts, radio, and TV advertising about proper recycling techniques relevant to the County.

Genesee County residents continued to be good environmental stewards through their participation in three Recycle Day events as well as a tire recycling event. During these events, 185,000 pounds of household hazardous waste and 4,300 tires were collected from over 1,500 participants. This was a record-breaking number of tires collected at one single event. The majority of the waste collected during the Recycle Day events included electronics and paint.

In recent years, the cost and popularity of household hazardous waste (HHW) disposal at Recycle Day events has increased dramatically. Stay tuned for future information regarding the expansion of this program.

Air Quality Awareness

The quality of air we breathe, inside and out, can have a major impact on our health and the health of the natural environment. Staff is implementing a new program to educate the community about air quality awareness and make improvements towards a healthier population. An air quality awareness webpage was developed to provide resources that will help the public improve air quality in their community: http:// gcmpc.org/air-quality-awareness/.

Hazard Mitigation Plans

Staff completed updates to the Genesee County and Lapeer County Hazard Mitigation Plans in cooperation with the Michigan State Police and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hazard Mitigation Plans educate local policy makers and emergency service organizations on the potential hazards in the area and provide a comprehensive document for planning and mitigation activities. The plans will also allow local units of government to apply for and receive grant funding through FEMA for local hazard mitigation projects.

Shaun Shumaker

District 6

Meredith Davis

District 7

District 4

Domonique Clemons Chairperson

Debra Newman

District 8

District 5

Gary Peppin

District 9

Bryant W. Nolden

District 1

Charles H. Winfrey

District 2

Reggie Smith

Cheryl Sclater

Tyler Rossmaessler

Jeffrey Peake

Debra Newman

Gloria Nealy Secretary

Alan Himelhoch Chairperson

Mike LaPointe Vice-Chairperson

Domonique Clemons