A bill to create a transformational projects authority; to prescribe the powers, duties, and jurisdictions of the transformational projects authority; to provide for the awarding of certain transportation-related grants; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state governmental officers and entities; and to provide for the promulgation of rules.
This bill aims to establish a "transformational projects authority" within the state of Michigan. This authority is designed to oversee the awarding of transportation-related grants and will have specific powers, duties, and jurisdictions. It will operate within the state transportation department but will maintain independent rule-making and adjudication powers.
The bill defines key terms such as "authority," "board," "department," and "qualified recipient," and sets criteria for what constitutes "transformational mobility projects," focusing on regional population and existing public transportation services. The authority will be governed by a five-member board appointed by the governor, with at least two members required to have expertise in public transportation. This board is tasked with meeting at least twice a year, adopting bylaws, and ensuring compliance with the open meetings act.
The authority is empowered to establish an office, sue and be sued, accept various forms of aid, enter into contracts, establish advisory workgroups, make inquiries, hold hearings, and promulgate rules. It can expend funds for supplemental operating grants, qualified investments in mobility projects, and administrative costs. Before making qualified investments, the authority will consider criteria such as the development and enhancement of high-capacity and regional public transportation, support from local entities, financial feasibility, and regional benefits. Additionally, the authority's grants and investments may be used to match federal aid.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Small Business
Reported with substitute H-2
