Michigan DOT Road Improvement https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9620_11057-261711--,00.htmlTransportation economic development grants to help bring 370 jobs to Gogebic and Marquette countiesContact: Jeff Cranson, 517-335-3084Agency: TransportationSeptember 1, 2011 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced the awarding of state transportation economic development grants that will bring 370 new jobs to Gogebic and Marquette counties. Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category A grants totaling $4,010,371 will leverage more than $431,000,000 in private investment at a private/public ratio of 107-to-1."These grants will bring about road improvements that will have a major economic impact on communities in the western Upper Peninsula," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "MDOT is pleased to partner with local road agencies to bring new industries and new jobs to Gogebic and Marquette counties.""Projects such as these are critical to economic development in the Upper Peninsula, and MDOT should be commended for its vision and commitment to them," said Sen. Tom Casperson. "These projects serve as an example of the focus and partnership that we need to advance job growth opportunities in the U.P. through the strategic use of our natural resources.""Transportation economic development funding makes it possible to leverage private investment to support economic development and ramp up employment. It has been rewarding to work with the state on projects so critical to the Upper Peninsula," said Rep. Matt Huuki. "I want to thank the administration for being so responsive and committed to the economic needs of Gogebic County.""I am happy to see that progress is being made on this project in Marquette County," said Rep. Steve Lindberg. "Not only will the quality of the roads be increased, but much needed jobs will be brought to the region."APPROVED CATEGORY A PROJECTS BY COUNTYGogebic CountyOrvana Resources US Corp., a subsidiary of Orvana Minerals, is a global gold and copper mining company. It is proposing to locate a new copper mining operation and ore-processing facility, known as the Copperwood Project, in Ironwood and Wakefield townships. Sixty jobs will be transferred to the facility and 196 new jobs will be created.The copper ore concentrate produced by the facility must be shipped immediately to reduce oxidation and a loss in value. This requires a route built to carry heavy commercial traffic year-round to avoid the need to stockpile the copper ore concentrate, haul reduced loads and add substantially to transportation costs. Access to the project site is via County Road (CR) 519, which is currently not built to all-season standards. In addition, a bridge over Jackson Creek is deteriorated and in need of rehabilitation.The proposed work will upgrade CR 519 to all-season status, preserve the Jackson Creek Bridge, improve drainage along the roadway, and increase safety for employee and commercial traffic.The estimated cost of these transportation improvements is $3,502,225, including $2,311,380 in state Category A TEDF funds, $841,095 from Orvana Minerals and $349,750 from the Gogebic County Road Commission.