Mich. To Fix Roads Near Detroit Refinery
by Matt Helms Detroit Free Press
May 22, 2008
The proposed $1.9-billion expansion of the Marathon Oil Corp. refinery got a boost this week when the state pledged a $1.2-million grant to fix up roadways around the facility in southwest Detroit.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office announced the state would provide the money through Transportation Economic Development Fund because the refinery expansion promises 135 new jobs. TEDF monies aim to encourage investment that creates and retains jobs.
"This project will create good-paying jobs, stimulate local economic growth and help improve Michigan's infrastructure," Granholm said in a news release.
State environmental regulatory approval is required before construction would start on the expansion of Michigan's only refinery, Marathon spokeswoman Chris Fox said.
The company said the expansion would increase the refinery's total crude oil refining capacity by about 15%, creating an additional 400,000 gallons of fuel per day. The company aims to complete construction in late 2010.
The Michigan Department of Transportation said the state road funding will help deal with increased traffic congestion along Oakwood Boulevard, Dix and Schaefer Highway expected with the expansion.
MDOT said the state will widen the intersection of Schaefer and Dix, creating dual left-turn lanes from Dix to southbound Schaefer; upgrade traffic signals at intersections including Oakwood and Dix to improve traffic flow, and resurface stretches of Dix and Oakwood.
Copyright (c) 2008, Detroit Free Press. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
