2024 MATS MPO Annual Obligation Report

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) are regional bodies responsible for coordinating transportation planning in urbanized areas with populations of 50,000 or more. They bring together local government officials, transportation agencies, and other stakeholders to plan and prioritize transportation projects and investments for the region. They also play a key role in the distribution of federal transportation funds for projects like road improvements, transit systems, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure.

After the conclusion of each programming year, in this case October 1, 2023 to September 20, 2024, MPOs must disclose to local governments, stakeholders and the public "an annual listing of obligated projects” for projects that are to receive federal funding. When a project is "obligated," it means that the federal government has made a formal commitment to fund the project. The funds are allocated and set aside for that specific project, but they are not necessarily available for use immediately.

MATS is an MPO for the Midland Urbanized area that includes all of Midland County, the City of Auburn and Williams Charter Township in Bay County, and Tittabawassee Township in Saginaw County. There are three public transit agencies operate within the MATS planning area; they are Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART), County Connection of Midland and Bay Metro Transportation Authority (BMTA).

The document linked below illustrates projects that have been obligated in the MATS area.

2021-2023 Traffic Volumes across Trunkline, Non-Trunkline, and Commercial Trunkline Roads

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has created an interactive online map that lets users explore traffic volumes from 2021 to 2023. This map provides valuable insights into road usage patterns on different types of roads, including Trunkline, Non-Trunkline, and Commercial Trunkline roads.

MATS Active Transportation Maps - Waterways & Trails

MATS has developed a set of maps that highlight water and trail access across the Midland Area. These resources provide essential information to help people find the best location to start their active transportation journey. Active transportation refers to travel that involves physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or using non-motorized vehicles, like skateboards or scooters.

The kayak and canoe access map offers detailed information on various launch sites, potential other activities, distance to the next launch, and launch type, making it simpler for paddlers to organize their water trips.

Similarly, the walking, hiking, and biking trail map provides details on trail locations and sizes along with surface type to help users find their ideal path. It also includes other potential activities and connections to other trails and parks.

2024 MATS Area Road Surface Condition Maps

The Midland Area Transportation Study has completed PASER data collection for Midland County and collected data from Bay County Road Commission for Williams Township and Saginaw County Road Commission for Tittabawassee Township. PASER stands for Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating system, which involves visually inspecting a road and assigning a score on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being a failed road and 10 being in excellent condition. Trained individuals drive along a road segment and visually evaluate the surface condition based on factors like cracks, potholes, rutting, and overall pavement distress. This data is used by transportation agencies to prioritize road maintenance projects, allocate funding, and monitor the overall condition of their road network.

Maps are available for the data that was collected. These maps are not a representation of the entire road network within the MATS Area. It contains federal-aid, including but not limited to Other Principal Arterial, Other Freeway, Minor Arterial, Major Collector, Minor Collector, and also includes some local roads.

City of Midland - E. Main Street Closed through April 2025 for Poseyville Preserve Walkway Installation

Beginning Wednesday, October 23, E. Main Street will be closed to through traffic and parking from the Poseyville Bridge to State Street as Parks and Recreation begins the next phase of the Poseyville Preserve project: A pedestrian walkway spanning the Tittabawassee River. When complete, the Poseyville Preserve will include restoration of a former industrial site to the riparian ecosystem native to this area, accessible fishing areas, and a completed looping trail system in the Downtown area that includes the Tridge.

For additional information, refer to the City of Midland website.

GLBRT - JOIN US TO CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT OUR LOCAL TRAILS! September 22, 2024

Trail Mix is purely about celebrating our wonderful trail network!  Start the day enjoying the trails however you like, then gather together for a meal and trail network update.  This family friendly event is the perfect way to spend a Fall Sunday. 

​Registration fees go toward trail maintenance.  

County Connection of Midland - New Freedom Program

The New Freedom Program is a unique transportation opportunity that assists seniors, veterans, and people with ADA disabilities get to their non-emergency medical appointments. This service is volunteer based and will provide non-emergency transportation to hospitals, medical facilities, health clinics, and doctors outside the county of Midland and within the state of Michigan.

Rides are not a guarantee and are based on availability. To inquire more about this service please contact (989) 374-2000.

City of Midland - Should the Downtown Pedestrian Plaza continue after 2025?

In this survey, you'll be asked about your experience in the Pedestrian Plaza during the 2024 season - when you visit, what you do while you're there, and what you love and would make better - as well as your opinion on whether it should continue annually beyond 2025.

Feedback from this survey will be shared with City staff, the Downtown Development Authority Board, Downtown Midland businesses and property owners, and the Midland City Council to help determine the future of the Pedestrian Plaza.