Grant helps Community

Below is a success story for our community:

Moran Iron Works manufactures finished products for a global market that are typically too large to ship under standard utility lines. Specializing in one-of-a-kind industrial fabrication and conversion, the company produces large custom welding products that require a high-wire corridor for shipment.

A high-wire corridor was created more than 10 years ago between Moran Iron Works outside of Onaway and the deep water port in Rogers City. The company chose to invest $2.5 million to expand and add 60 new positions by 2015, in part due to the location of the high-wire corridor. However, several roads on the corridor have deteriorated over time and are now subject to seasonal weight restrictions. To assure future access to the port, three roads will be reconstructed to all-season condition: CR 638 from M-33 to Glasier Road, Glasier Road from CR 638 to M-68, and Petersville Road from Heythaler Road to US-23.

The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $1,948,184, including $1,484,272 in state TEDF funds and $463,912 from the Presque Isle County Road Commission.

Enacted in 1987 and reauthorized in 1993, the TEDF was created to provide funding for highway, road and street projects that encourage private investment in Michigan that will create or support jobs. The TEDF "Category A," or "Target Industries Program," provides state funding for transportation improvements that will help accommodate increased traffic and provide commercial routes that are safe and more efficient for new and expanding companies.

Eligible road agencies include MDOT, county road commissions, cities and villages. "The road improvements funded with these grants will encourage major companies to invest in our state, creating jobs and contributing to increased economic development across both peninsulas," Steudle said.

The City of Rogers City is grateful to Moran Iron Works, the Presque Isle County Road Commission, and MDOT for helping our community!