South Michigan News

The city of Chelsea has received a $250,000 state grant to help reconstruct Commerce Park Drive, according to State Representative Kathy Schmaltz. The funding comes from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) Category B program and will be used for a full-depth replacement of roadway asphalt pavement and aggregate base material on Commerce Park Drive, between South Main Street/M-52 and Brown Drive.

The project will also include repairs to driveways, curbs, gutters, and upgrades to sidewalk ramps in order to comply with current ADA standards. Other planned improvements involve new pavement markings, signage, and minor utility repairs. To complete the $620,800 project, the city of Chelsea will provide $370,800 in matching funds.

“This investment will make a real difference for people and businesses in Chelsea,” said Schmaltz. “Commerce Park Drive is a key commercial area, and these improvements will enhance safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure stability. I’m proud to see the state partnering with our local community to get it done.”

The CSIF program was created by the Legislature in 2018 and is managed by MDOT. It offers assistance specifically to small cities and villages with populations under 10,000 that have limited access to other road funding sources. Projects are chosen based on their coordination with other infrastructure work as well as cost efficiency and focus on extending the useful life of local roads.

“This is a great example of how state and local governments can work together to strengthen the roads that small communities rely on every day,” Schmaltz said.

Schmaltz also highlighted an increase in ongoing support for local road repairs included in this year’s state budget. The city of Chelsea is set to receive $990,700 for local road funding this year—an increase of 33.4% compared with last year’s total of $742,600.