$928M in Transportation Grants

"Investing in America's transit systems, rails, roads, ports and airports will generate tens of thousands of construction-related jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Americans," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

On Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced at a stop in Detroit that $928.5 million in federal grants would go to fund more than 300 public transportation projects across the U.S.

Michigan will get $47 million of that grant money, and LaHood reiterated the Obama administration's support for light-rail in Detroit.

Among Detroit’s economic challenges is a bus system currently hobbled by long waits for riders, the result of many buses out of service for repairs. The Detroit City Council just unanimously approved a nonbinding resolution that if the nearly 200 buses out of service are not repaired in 30 days, that Mayor Bing issue emergency contracts to get those repairs done. Detroit Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins says that more than one-third of city residents depend on city buses as their primary source of transportation.

The Transportation Dept. and the Commerce Dept. also announced their joint “Manufacturing Extension Partnership” to boost U.S. manufacturers of rail cars and highway materials, part of the Transportation Department's "Buy American" initiative to connect U.S. manufacturers and suppliers for work on highways, railways and transit projects, and of course to create jobs.