August 18, 2022
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
Dear Friends,
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners took an important step last week when they approved – on a bipartisan basis – placing a countywide millage question on the November ballot to support public transportation services across Oakland County.
Here are the mechanics of the millage proposal:
- The countywide 0.95 millage proposal will keep and maintain current public transit services that are already in place through SMART, the North Oakland Transportation Authority, the West Oakland Transportation Authority and the Older Persons Commission.
- SMART provides 9 million rides annually in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The other three services provide vital door-to-door transportation services, primarily to older residents in their service area who are looking for rides to the doctor, grocery store or other appointments.
- The millage will improve and expand transit to routes across Oakland County, including cities and rural areas that now have no public transportation.
- The millage offers the opportunity to match federal, state and other funding sources through the recently adopted federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
I look forward to talking with residents in the coming months about the importance of this millage.
With gratitude,
David Coulter Oakland County Executive
Service Highlight of the Week: OakAlert
Residents can take steps to keep themselves and their families safe by signing up for OakAlert, the County’s emergency notification system.
OakAlert sends texts, calls and emails when emergency situations, such as a chemical spill that impacts public health, a weather event, active assailant situations or significant highway closures, arise.
The Oakland County Emergency Management Department is committed to maintaining a system that sends notifications only for legitimate emergencies, disasters or hazardous situations that would require immediate action.
To register for the no-cost OakAlert system, go to OakGov.com/OakAlert or text “OakAlert” to 99411.
Thousands enjoy Air Show
The tarmac at the Oakland County International Airport was filled with thousands of aviation enthusiasts during the 35th edition of the Air Show held at the airport in Waterford on Sunday.
From the Misty Blues, all female sky diving team to the aerial acrobatics, the skies were filled with daredevils thrilling the crowds with their soaring pirouettes, heart-stopping plunges and gravity-defying midair gymnastics.
The Oakland International Airport is the state’s second busiest airport with more than 126,000 takeoffs and landings during 2021. It also contributes more than $1 billion to the local economy each year and was named the Michigan Airport of the Year by the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics division.
On Sunday, the airport was also home to experimental aircraft, historical warplanes, rescue helicopters and displays from the local law enforcement and fire departments, as well as a Kids Zone playground.
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