For transportation, the commission received more than $70 million in stimulus funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With the additional funds, more projects have been funded.

“Stimulus is definitely an unexpected bonus into the region in terms of allowing us to do projects that would have otherwise done,” Steve Skinker, senior transportation planner of the commission, said. “As everybody drives our roads — they’re in a crumbling and deteriorating state.”

The only project slated for East Lansing is the Mount Hope Road construction, which will see $800,000 from the stimulus funds. Construction began on the project July 29.

The goal of the commission is to stimulate economic development and growth, as well as maintain transportation pathways and put federal dollars to use.

“(The commission’s) mission is to try and help all of the jurisdictions to help coordinate their planning efforts to promote smart growth,” Kevin Beard, member of the commission and East Lansing council member, said.

Because there were already short-range plans in place for projects before stimulus funding was awarded, the commission had a quick turnaround to start projects. Jon Coleman, the executive director of the commission, said some of the bids for projects have been low, which means more projects could be scheduled.

“Most bids to date have been low,” Coleman said. “If this trend continues, we may be able to fund one more additional project out of the balance of funds.”

Some projects are planned as far ahead as 20 years in the future. However, Coleman said most projects are short-range and are just awaiting funds. A priority list is made defining which projects are most important. With the extra federal money, items on the list could be moved from the wish list to the to-do list, Coleman said.

“We usually know how much we’re going to get from federal funds, so we can project out how much we’re going to spend each year,” he said. “When the stimulus came along, we already had a short-range plan in place.”