Washington, D.C.  - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that $3.3 million would be earmarked, at his request, for Flint transit and development projects in the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill as passed by the House of Representatives today.  The bill requires the President’s signature to be enacted.

Under provisions of the bill, the Flint Mass Transit Authority (MTA) would receive $2.68 million to rehabilitate buses currently in use and to procure new diesel-electric hybrid buses, the Michigan Department of Transportation would receive $500,000 to help replace the Corunna Road bridge at Interstate 75 (I-75), and the Genesee County Land Bank would receive $150,000 to renovate the Durant Hotel. 

Flint MTA

A portion of the funds for the Flint MTA would be used for bus rehabilitation and replacement.  Mid-life bus rehabilitation nearly doubles the life of a bus at a cost that is half that of a new vehicle.  Federal funds would be used by the Flint MTA to help complete its program to rehabilitate 82 of its 92 vehicles. 

Remaining funds would be used to aid in the purchase of five 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid buses to replace buses purchased in 1983.  The Flint MTA is working in partnership with Kettering University to develop and test new technology for large passenger vehicles, resulting in 30-40% increases in the conservation of fossil fuels.

“A reliable public transit system is critical as we do our best to reduce fossil fuel consumption, and I am pleased to assist in improving our mass transit,” said Kildee.  “It is greatly encouraging to see the faculty of Kettering University and the staff of the MTA working together to provide a more pleasant environment to be enjoyed by the people of Flint.”

Corunna Road

Located west of Flint, the replacement of the Corunna Road bridge over I-75 would increase the width for pedestrian traffic and make aesthetic improvements.  This would be the first time that the project would receive federal funding.

“The proposed improvements to the Corunna Road overpass will be beneficial to the economy and regional commerce, assuring that congestion is kept to a minimum,” said Kildee.  “The renovation will help to encourage investment and beautify the local community.”

Durant Hotel

Named for William C. Durant, founder of General Motors, the Durant Hotel was built in 1920.  Now empty for 34 years, the Flint landmark had accommodated travelers for more than 50 years before being closed in 1972. 

“The Durant Hotel is a monument to the rich history of Flint and to the people who helped write that history,” said Kildee.  “I am eager to see the Durant restored to its former esteem and the economic opportunity it will bring to our community.”

The Genesee County Land Bank will use federal funds to renovate the 150,000 square foot building into a mixed use development with residential and commercial space.  Standing between downtown Flint and the campuses of the University of Michigan, Flint and Kettering University, the renovation of the Durant will encourage the reemerging commercial development in the community.  The redevelopment will help to revitalize a corridor that has been designated by the State of Michigan as a “Cool Cities” neighborhood.

“I am pleased that the federal government will join the ranks of those investing in Flint,” said Kildee.  “A restored Durant Hotel will bolster the work of the Genesee County Land Bank and the continued growth downtown.”

The House-Senate conference report awaits the approval of the Senate and the President.