Help Shape the Future: Transportation Improvement Program Development

The Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) invites the public to help "Shape the Future" for a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable transportation system.

WATS is asking the public to review and provide feedback on transportation projects being considered for federal funding. You can view candidate projects and provide feedback on the website at miwats.org/shapethefuture. WATS is also partnering with local libraries throughout the County to help collect feedback on projects. Additional comment opportunities are outlined below.

WATS is a multi-jurisdictional agency responsible for transportation planning in Washtenaw County. WATS committees guide the expenditure of state and federal transportation funds in Washtenaw County. In addition, WATS continually monitors the condition of the county's transportation system, including roads, bicycle, and pedestrian paths, bridges, and public transit.

WATS solicited project requests from eligible agencies in August and received project requests seeking federal funds for FY 2024-2026. As 2023 is an overlap year between the two programs, FY 2023 projects have already been reviewed and prioritized by the WATS Policy Committee.

An Online Engagement meeting is set for 6-7 pm on Thursday, October 21. There will be a formal presentation beginning at 6 pm and again at 6:30 pm, with time allowed for questions after the presentations.

Pop Up Comment Booths will be located at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, Oct. 23, and at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market from 7 am to 3 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.