Rural task force (rtf) and small urban programs

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RURAL TASK FORCE (RTF)

The MDOT Rural Task Force Program provides federal & state dollars to rural counties in Michigan with a population under 400,000 (78/83 counties). These dollars must be spent in their geographic areas on eligible road and transit capital projects improvements.

The money is provided within two funding sources:

• Surface Transportation Program (STP) Rural for improving the federal aid system
• Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) Category D for building an all-season network

All project selection is through the Rural Task Force which is comprised of equal representation from the county road commission, the cities and villages under 5,000 population within the county, and the rural transit provider.

Federal regulations require the development and consultation of a transportation planning process in non-metropolitan areas. This process managed by MDOT Planning, facilitated by Regional Planning Agencies, including Networks Northwest, and carried out by the twenty-two Rural Task Forces located across the state. Each task force is comprised of equal representation from the county road commission, cities and villages under 5,000 in population, rural transit provider, MDOT, and where applicable, Tribal government. The process delivers a financially constrained non-metropolitan program for inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Project selection and public involvement begins through the local county level. This is an effective way to incorporate community land use planning objectives and achieve consensus regarding transportation decisions within the county. These county level meetings, held prior to the Rural Task Force meeting, include elected officials, regional planning and development agency, Indian tribal government(s), transit providers, cities/villages, interested parties and the general public. Please refer to https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/programs/grant-programs/rural for more information on the RTF process.

 

In partnership with MDOT, Networks Northwest provides staffing to the three rural task forces in northwest lower Michigan.

(Click to view individual RTF information)

RTF 10A - Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Kalkaska

RTF 10B - Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford

RTF 10C - Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau

 

 

 

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Small Urban Program

The Small Urban Program provides federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding to areas with an urbanized population of 5,000 to 49,999. Road and transit capital projects are eligible for STP funds. Communities within the Small Urban Program are eligible for funding every other year. Funding is given in either even or odd years. Communities with over 40,000 populations are eligible for funding every year. There are currently three (3) census-designated urbanized areas within the 10-county Northwest Lower Michigan region. 

• Cadillac - receives even year funding
• Manistee - receives odd year funding
• Petoskey - receives even year funding

 

Public Meetings

Public notices of Small Urban meetings are posted below. The notices include the name of the City, date, time, and location of the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings:

Past Meetings:

• Cadillac
  • March 31st, 2026 (Tuesday) at 1:00 PM
    • Public Meeting Notice  |  Agenda | Previous Meeting Minutes (9/18/25)
    • Location - Wexford County Road Commission Office - 85 M-115, Boon, MI 49618
• Petoskey
  • - September 29th, 2025 (Monday) at 1:00 PM
    • Public Meeting Notice  |  Agenda 
    • Location -  Boyne City Hall Commission Chambers - 319 North Lake Street, 2nd Floor, Boyne City, MI 49712​
• Cadillac and Manistee (joint meeting)
  • September 18, 2025 (Thursday) at 2:00PM
    • Public Meeting Notice  |  Agenda
    • Location - Wexford County Road Commission Office - 85 M-115, Boon, MI 49618

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For meeting documents prior to 2025, please contact: 

Cassidy Robarts
Transportation Planner
(231) 492-5043
Contact Form