NEWS - MDOT and OFME seeks proposals for Michigan $15 Million Equitable Mobility Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT Michael Frezell 517-281-6519 FrezellM@Michigan.gov

MDOT and OFME seeks proposals for
Michigan $15 Million Equitable Mobility Challenge

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) are launching the Michigan $15 Million Equitable Mobility Challenge, beginning with soliciting grant proposals to address mobility gaps and improve access to education, jobs, health care, nutritious food, and socialization opportunities. The goal of the mobility challenge is to improve quality of life, while increasing equity and accessibility.

 

The call for proposals includes two separate programs: the Specialized Services Program (SSP) expansion and Solving Mobility Gaps that both provide capital and operating funds with increasing levels of local funding required over a three-year period. Starting in the fourth year, eligible projects will roll into the regular SSP, and other projects would require other funding sources for continuation.

 

"MDOT was allotted additional funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget for the SSP to prioritize its needs," said Jean Ruestman, MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation administrator. "This funding will help expand the program in underserved areas of the state, particularly for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and veterans. It also will increase reimbursement rates for the existing SSP recipients. One-time funding was also programmed to pilot innovative tools and services to solve mobility gaps that impact equitable access to goods and services." 

"Being a leader in the future of mobility means taking deliberate steps to improving accessibility and increasing equity for Michiganders across the state," said Justine Johnson, OFME chief mobility officer. "The Equitable Mobility Challenge initiative supports our collective efforts to think creatively and address challenges to ensure Michigan continues to be a leader in mobility solutions."

MDOT will host two optional information sessions 1-2 p.m. Jan. 30 and 10-11 a.m. Jan. 31 for interested applicants (vendors, mobility partners and organizations, and public transit agencies) to learn more about the opportunity, receive tips and best practices for submitting a proposal, and connect with other companies and Michigan partners to explore collaborations. Registration for the information sessions is available online. 

 

Complete application instructions can be found on the Mobility Challenge website. The applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT April 14, 2024, to be considered. For more information or questions, e-mail MDOT-EquitableMobility@Michigan.gov. 

 

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