Romulus awarded $1 million for sidewalk installation in city
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Romulus officials celebrated the award of $1 million federal grant which will fund pedestrian walkways along the north side of Beverly Road in the city.
The federal funds were part of the federal Transportation Alternatives program administered by SEMCOG (Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments) and was awarded by the regional review committee, according to a public statement which characterized the award as a federal grant that reduces reliance on the city general fund budget for the project.
Romulus Director of Public Works Roberto Scappaticci said the project would construct a new sidewalk from St. John’s Lodge Park to Wayne Road, repair deteriorated sections, fill existing open ditches, install storm infrastructure and add marked crossings to get pedestrians — including schoolchildren — off the roadway and onto safe walkways.
Attending the check presentation were Congressman Shree Thanidar and State Rep. Reggie Miller who expressed her support for the city staff and Scappaticci for pursuing the grant funding and acknowledged the extensive planning required for the project.
Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight celebrated the award with a post on social media commenting, “Thank you to SEMCOG and all of our community partners! This walkway along Beverly Road will safely connect neighborhoods, schools and parks. Very much needed for too long.”
In a prepared statement, SEMCOG officials noted that the regional review committee prioritized Beverly Road because it closes gaps that currently force pedestrians into the travel lane and improves access to parks and schools across Southeast Michigan.
