1401 S. Dort Hwy, Flint, Michigan 48503 | 810-767-0100 | TTY: 810-767-2795
Mass Transportation Authority art project plays key role in revitalizing Flint
Recently, concerns have been expressed regarding the Mass Transportation Authority’s purchase of art for display in MTA facilities.
But before we get to that issue, let me explain the MTA’s purpose. The mission of the MTA is to provide public transportation that is safe, reliable and affordable for those who want and need it in our community. But our focus goes beyond this to include being a partner in the rebirth of downtown Flint and using public transportation as an economic development tool in Genesee County.
The only real test of success or failure of the MTA is in meeting the expectations of the public. The MTA has had constant growth over the past six years and provides transportation for more than 125,000 passengers a week. In January, 513,000 passengers were served, with 59,000 requiring curb-to-curb service. We believe we perform our main mission well.
In addition, as a major employer and caring member of the county we accept other responsibilities.
Several years ago, the MTA became active in response to a challenge from Gov. Jennifer Granholm regarding the rebirth of our community. Of the four active committees created as a result of the challenge, the MTA has been involved in committees addressing the revitalization of Flint’s center city and economic development in general.
The committee that focused on the rebirth of downtown emphasized the need to attract more people there. This challenge was to be addressed by increasing housing, encouraging new businesses, the introduction of student housing for the University of Michigan-Flint, and by utilizing the 15,000-20,000 people a day that the MTA brings into the downtown area.
To support this effort, the MTA commissioned a study to evaluate the appropriate role of the bus station at Harrison and E. Second streets. It concluded that the building should be expanded into a community facility that went beyond the transfer of bus passengers. A $6 million renovation was initiated and to attract additional people downtown, a museum was proposed. It was to be dedicated to civil rights and to include a memorial for Civil Rights pioneer Rosa Parks. Also planned was a community bulletin board that would advertise downtown events.
Art was the principal medium selected to commemorate civil rights in our community. The goal was to create something that would attract people from all over Michigan.
Presently, the MTA has committed $524,052 to buy art for the 14 facilities it owns and operates. Since 2000, the MTA has been accumulating funding for this Art in Transit program from state and federal discretionary grants. No local millage money funds this project. These grants can be used only on the construction and renovation of the MTA service centers around the county. They cannot be used for other transportation purposes.
So far, we have allocated $317,500 for the Art in Transit program in the downtown station. Spending on that special project constitutes about 3.3 percent of the renovation expense. Art in the other service centers amounts to 1.1 percent of their cost.
The art is available for everyone to review during normal business hours. A statement that certain pieces of art are behind closed doors is accurate only for the MTA administration building, where we have to balance a need to maintain reasonable security for our employees against providing access to the general public to see the art. Requests to view the art in the administration building are encouraged and will be made available with the help of a guide.
All of the artwork is being created by Michigan artists. As the MTA is not trained in evaluating various forms of art, we contracted with the Greater Flint Arts Council to facilitate the program.
The MTA’s participation in these efforts toward renewing downtown and creating area jobs would not be possible without the support of U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee, Us. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow and Governor Granholm. We hope the community recognizes that the MTA’s Board of Directors and the agency’s 500 employees are dedicated to both goals as well as meeting the public transportation needs of Genesee County.
General Manager,
Mass Transportation Authority