Downtown New Baltimore Gets Federal Grant for Improvements

New Baltimore's historic downtown will get a lot of TLC this spring, thanks in part to federal grant money.

Michigan Department of Transportation chose to award its federal transportation grant in Macomb County to New Baltimore, paving the way for downtown improvements such as streetlights, trees, planters, bike racks, outdoor furniture and staining the existing sidewalk. The project costs $486,110—$340,277 of which from federal transportation enhancement money and $145,833 from the city. The work is to take place on Washington from Green to Front streets, according to MDOT.

It is one of eight projects in seven Michigan counties that will benefit from the grant money to enhance specific areas.

"These projects improve quality of life and have positive, longterm effects on a community," State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said in a news release. "MDOT is pleased to partner on transportation enhancement projects that will help Michigan communities attract residents and businesses."          

New Baltimore Mayor Larry Smith agreed.

"I think it's going to be a great improvement and enhancement for our downtown," Smith said Wednesday.

He added it's one of the city's highly anticipated projects coming to fruition. Among the other recent accomplishments are the and first phase of the near .

"We've talked about these kind of things for years," Smith said, "And now, all of a sudden, they're falling into place."

Meanwhile, city officials are seeking grants to help pay for the County Line path completion, estimated at roughly $400,000, to Main Street. The funding request process, however, could take nearly a year.