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Tri-County produces and coordinates a variety of plans, studies, and other special projects to keep improving our region's transportation system, economy, and built and natural environment. CURRENT PROJECTS What's Underway Tri-County produces and coordinates a variety of plans, studies, and other special projects to keep improving our region's transportation system, economy, and built and natural environment. Explore active and recently completed projects below. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The region's 4-year TIP invests over $390 million into projects that improve our roads, public transit services, and bicycle and pedestrian networks. Follow along as we implement these projects from October 2025 through September 2029! Learn More REO PASSENGER BUS RESTORATION PROJECT Nearly a century after it first rolled off the line at Lansing’s REO Motor Car Company, a rare 97-year-old bus is beginning a remarkable new journey, one that will bring history home. We've launched an ambitious restoration effort to return the last known version of this bus model to its former glory! Learn More GREATER LANSING REGIONAL TRAILS NETWORK Having completed a feasibility plan to identify routes that will connect our region’s trail system and other recreational amenities to major trails in the state, we’ve now initiated a $2.5 million pilot project to further analyze and prepare these routes for future grants! Learn More TRI-COUNTY VIRTUAL TRAIL EXPLORER Embark on a virtual exploration of over 140 miles of hiking, biking, and water trails — including the Lansing River Trail, Middle Grand River Water Trail, Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Trail, and more — with our 360° tour of the region's major trail routes! Use our Explorer to plan your trip today. Learn More METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN This long-range plan sets a vision and funding strategy for investing in projects that will meet our transportation needs over the next 25 years. We’re currently implementing our 2045 MTP and updating it to extend its planning horizon to 2050! Learn More EAST LANSING/CLINTON FREEWAY ACCESS STUDY We're conducting a study to analyze ways to improve access to the northern East Lansing/ southern Clinton County area and surrounding local road and freeway systems. The study will examine current transportation needs and changing travel patterns in the area. Learn More AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Every five years, we work with local and state agencies to coordinate a regionwide flyover, providing ou r counties, local municipalities, and public utilities with aerial data and photography. This geospatial orthoimagery helps our partner communities monitor, map, and plan for land use, infrastructure, transportation, and other needs. Learn More THE VISION FOR MICHIGAN'S AVENUE Michigan Avenue connects world-class talent at Michigan State University in East Lansing to our State Capitol in Lansing, where decisions about the lives of Michiganders are made every day. This is Michigan's Avenue , and it's time we have a shared, unified vision for it. Learn More MI CAPITAL REGION: DATA DASHBOARD Are we moving the needle? Check out our data center for the latest demographic, economic, and workforce data for Michigan's capital region and sign up for our monthly data newsletter to follow economic trends and learn about key regional metrics! Learn More REGIONAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP Following the completion of HousingDrives , a data assessment of the trends and barriers of the housing market in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, we developed a 5-year action plan and are coordinating the South Central Regional Housing Partnership to implement its goals. Learn More COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY We recently completed an update to the CEDS, which is our region’s strategic blueprint and action plan for promoting economic prosperity. Its goals focus on improving transportation and infrastructure, culture and lifestyle, and education and talent. Learn More REGIONAL WATER QUALITY EDUCATION SURVEY A public survey is conducted every six years to determine the effectiveness of environmental education campaigns, identify knowledge gaps, and guide the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management's outreach activities. The results are in! Learn More View Past Projects More Project Updates Library of Plans & Documents

The Wellhead Protection Viewer is an interactive online mapping application that provides a variety of data – including well locations, time of travel areas, brownfields, potential contamination source locations, and more – to help protect our region's groundwater resources. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > DATA & MAPPING > WELLHEAD PROTECTION VIEWER The Wellhead Protection Viewer is an interactive online mapping application that provides a variety of data – including well locations, time of travel areas, brownfields, potential contamination source locations, and more – so communities and organizations can be better informed when making development decisions that may affect our groundwater throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. This tool is a useful resource for planners looking to identify locations at greatest risk for groundwater contamination when preparing site plan reviews, emergency response plans, and risk and resilience assessments, all of which help protect our drinking water at its source! Since its creation in 1999, the Viewer has undergone numerous updates to provide this data and continues to be made available for public use thanks to a combined effort of grant funding, cost sharing, and regional collaboration between Tri-County and member communities of the Groundwater Management Board (GMB) . To utilize the full application, click here . Training Videos Check out the gallery below to view the full collection of training videos about the various features of the Viewer. Please note that these materials were created as part of the latest update to the Viewer in August 2025 and may not reflect changes to layers or capabilities added after that date. If you have further questions or require technical assistance, contact Lauren Schnoebelen, our Environmental Planner, at lschnoebelen@mitcrpc.org . WPV History History of Regional Groundwater Protection & The Wellhead Protection Viewer As a region that relies primarily on groundwater for our drinking water supply, wellhead protection plans play a vital role in our communities’ efforts to ensure our water is safe and clean. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) (https://www.michigan.gov/egle/)assists local municipalities through their Wellhead Protection Program (https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3313_3675_3695---,00.html)by helping them to identify and protect areas that contribute to their water supply and prevent or minimize groundwater contamination to avoid costly cleanup efforts. One of the major focuses of these plans are Potential Contaminant Source Inventories (PCSI): a detailed list of locations that pose a high risk of pollution for our groundwater resources, such as leaking storage tanks, oil and gas spills, septic systems, or abandoned wells, just to name a few. By providing a database for these PCSI locations like the Wellhead Protection Viewer, Tri-County and the GMB are able to offer communities access to this information so they may appropriately plan for projects to reduce the risk of groundwater pollution. To assist with funding for a wide range of these wellhead protection projects – including the maintenance of PSCI data, wellhead delineation studies, outreach and education materials, training opportunities, and more – EGLE’s Wellhead Protection Program provides communities with the opportunity to apply for the Source Water Protection Grant (https://www.michigan.gov/egle/0,9429,7-135-3313_3675_3695-31531--,00.html)each year. The Wellhead Protection Viewer was created thanks to this grant opportunity in 1999 and has continued to utilize its funding for updates in subsequent years. The latest improvements (https://www.mitcrpc.org/post/wpv-project-annoucement)to the Wellhead Protection Viewer were completed in August 2025, funded in part by the Source Water Protection Grant awarded to the East Lansing Meridian Water Sewer Authority. Thanks to an opportunity presented to Tri-County through our consultants at OHM Advisors, the Wellhead Protection Viewer was updated to include data for the entire tri-county region in addition to the originally included communities of Meridian Township and the City of East Lansing. Distinguishing Between Delineation Layers & When To Use Them There are two categories of groundwater delineation layers included in the Wellhead Protection Viewer: the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Wellhead Protection Areas (TCRPC WHPA), and the Time of Travel (TOT) Areas. Each of these layers represent slightly different methods of modeling our region’s groundwater systems and it is important to understand the background of their creation when determining which layer will provide you and your community with the most relevant delineations. The first type of delineation layer, the TCRPC WHPA, was created using the Michigan Groundwater Management Tool (MGMT). This tool, developed by faculty at the Michigan State University Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and staff at Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy [EGLE]), analyzed groundwater flow using available well record data for delineating wellhead protection areas, contaminant migration, and groundwater flow direction from the statewide Wellogic database and inputting it into a 2D groundwater modeling software program. Given a few parameters, such as current groundwater levels, hydraulic conductivity of the pumped aquifer, well locations, and pumping rate, the tool was able to demarcate provisional delineations of the public groundwater supply. Providing this data to local communities offered those without the resources to produce delineations themselves a place to start when creating wellhead protection plans or developing other groundwater protection initiatives. The second type of delineation layer, the TOT Areas, was created using a United States Geologic Survey (USGS) model that utilized MODFLOW-2000 to create a 10-layer, grid-based, 3D model (composed of 3 layers in the glacial package; 6 layers in the Saginaw Formation [of which there are 3 aquifer units and 3 confining units]; and 1 layer to represent the bedrock beneath the Saginaw Formation). The data in these layers covers a select portion of the tri-county region and has undergone various updates over the years. As of August 2020, the TOT data for Michigan State University and Delta Township is from 2007, and the TOT data for Lansing Board of Water and Light and East Lansing Meridian Water Sewer Authority is from 2017. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined It is important to note that in almost all cases, the MGMT/TCRPC WHPA layers matched the traditional USGS/TOT layers very closely when compared by an EGLE modeler. However, because of the more in-depth modeling method used to create the USGS/TOT delineations, it is recommended that USGS/TOT layers are used wherever they do exist. Where they are not available, the MGMT/TCRPC WHPA layers should be used to provide a baseline delineation to work from. The photo on the left illustrates the two types of layers, with the TOT layers in orange, yellow, and green transparent shapes; and the WHPA layers in red and blue-dotted shapes. Report an Error in the Wellogic Well Records Because individual well records are maintained by the state and not Tri-County, we ask that any identified errors in your well records are reported directly to Wellogic.(https://www.egle.state.mi.us/wellogic/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fwellogic%2fdefault.aspx) To report an error in the well log on the Viewer's Wellogic layer, please email Wellogic Help at wellogic@michigan.gov (mailto:wellogic@michigan.gov?subject=Well Record Error - Well ID:)with the Well ID and the reason for the change. For more information about the Wellogic system, check out their FAQ page here.(https://www.michigan.gov/egle/faqs/drinking-water/wellogic)

We have a dedicated staff of 11 professionals working to serve our member communities and make the Greater Lansing area more prosperous. HOME > ABOUT > OUR TEAM Tri-County Staff James Snell Executive Director 517-999-8906 jsnell@mitcrpc.org Meet Jim Jim Koenig, AICP, PTP Senior Transportation Planning Manager 517-999-8909 jkoenig@mitcrpc.org Meet Jim Shanice Tan Data Analyst 517-393-0343 stan@mitcrpc.org Meet Shanice Nicole Baumer Deputy Director 517-999-8900 nbaumer@mitcrpc.org Meet Nicole Lauren Schnoebelen Environmental Planner 517-999-8912 lschnoebelen@mitcrpc.org Meet Lauren Laura Tschirhart Senior Transportation Planner, GIS Coordinator 517-999-8910 Ltschirhart@mitcrpc.org Meet Laura Amanda Hathaway Frattarelli Environmental Planner 517-999-8905 ahathawayfrattarelli@mitcrpc.org Meet Amanda Valonda Sesi Marketing & Community Engagement Manager 517-999-8903 vsesi@mitcrpc.org Meet Valonda ©

We are a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy, reliable transportation, and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources. WHO IS TRI-COUNTY? Who We Are The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is a public planning agency established in 1956, serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties in Mid-Michigan. Tri-County makes our region a more prosperous community by planning for a strong economy , reliable transportation , and sustainable infrastructure and natural resources . We are dedicated leaders and innovators, connecting local organizations and governments to funding, technical assistance, data resources, and opportunities to discuss trends and challenges affecting the Greater Lansing area. Our Mission & Vision The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission leads innovative public planning for Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties to foster prosperity in Mid-Michigan's communities. We believe in developing a sustainable future for our region's economy, natural resources, and transportation system and infrastructure. Leadership Tri-County is directed by a board of 19 commissioners representing the three counties, City of Lansing, and public transportation agencies. They come together to resolve problems and guide development of the Greater Lansing area with a regional perspective, looking past county and municipal boundaries for the greatest good of our region’s citizens. News & Events Request for Proposals: Regional Traffic Safety & Operations Program Request for Proposals: Community Engagement Campaign Tri-County Seeking Economic Development Planner History & Designations The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission was formed under the Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945. It was established pursuant to resolutions adopted by the Boards of Supervisors of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties on July 18, 1956. Membership was expanded to include the City of Lansing in 1974. Tri-County serves 75 jurisdictions within the three-county region. Tri-County is designated as the region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to coordinate federally funded transportation projects. The Commission is also certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the Economic Development District (EDD) to facilitate federally funded economic development programs and initiatives, particularly in public infrastructure, in support of business locations and expansions. Learn more about our federal and state designations and legal responsibilities below. What is a Regional Planning Commission? Regional planning commissions have been around in some parts of the country since near the start of the last century. State Planning & Development Regions (https://www.miregions.com/aboutregions.asp)(SPDRs) look at planning issues from a larger geography than that examined by counties or local units of government in the region. That allows them to identify issues and opportunities that are not apparent at a smaller geography. They also can help local governments resolve issues of overlapping services, help fill gaps in services through service sharing arrangements, and help find resources from the federal and state governments to address unmet needs. Over the past 65 years the Michigan Legislature has created three separate, but different statutory approaches to addressing regional planning through voluntary sub-state units of government known variously as state planning and development regions, regional planning commissions, regional planning and development commissions, and councils of government. These acts are: • Regional Planning Act, PA 281 of 1945(https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-281-of-1945) • The regional planning portion of the County or Regional Economic Development Commission Act, PA 46 of 1966(https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-46-of-1966&highlight=project,entity) • The regional planning portion of Metropolitan Councils Act, PA 292 of 1989(https://legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-292-of-1989&highlight=legislature,pa) SPDRs are voluntary organizations comprised of local governments dedicated to serving the regional planning needs of multi-county areas in all parts of Michigan. They are a form of local government voluntarily created by their members, which are largely representative of local governments in the region; although membership also includes road authorities, nonprofit organizations and representatives of the business community in many regions. What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization? The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission was designated by the Governor as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (https://www.transit.dot.gov/regulations-and-guidance/transportation-planning/metropolitan-planning-organization-mpo)(MPO) in 1973, responsible for fulfilling all federally required transportation planning requirements in the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan area throughout Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties in the state of Michigan. Federal funding for transportation projects throughout the three counties are channeled through Tri-County. MPOs are policy-making and planning bodies formed under federal legislation (23 USC 134 & 49 USC 1603, 1605, and 1607). Specifically, an MPO is the policy board of an organization created and designated to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process. They are required to represent localities in all urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations over 50,000, as determined by the U.S. Census, to ensure federal spending on transportation planning projects and programs are based on a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive (3-C) planning process. An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is called a Transportation Management Area (TMA). As described in 49 U.S.C. 5303(k), and in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation issues in large urban areas, an MPO in a TMA has a stronger voice in setting priorities for implementing projects listed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (https://www.mitcrpc.org/tip)and is responsible for additional planning products. The planning processes in MPOs in TMAs also must be certified by the Secretary of DOT as being in compliance with federal requirements. MPOs are designated by agreement between the governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable state or local law. When submitting a TIP to the state for inclusion in the statewide program, MPOs self-certify that they have met all federal requirements. In accordance with federal regulations, Tri-County is required to carry out metropolitan transportation planning in cooperation with the state and operators of publicly owned transit services. View MPO policies and procedures that address these regulations and requirements here.(https://www.mitcrpc.org/mpo-policies) 66.37% of Michigan’s population are represented by MPOs; nationally, 85% of the population lives inside a MPO. What is an Economic Development District? Economic Development Districts (https://www.eda.gov/edd/)(EDDs) are multi-jurisdictional entities, commonly composed of multiple counties and in certain cases, cross-state borders. They help lead the locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process that leverages the involvement of the public, private, and non-profit sectors to establish a strategic blueprint (known as a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy)(https://www.mitcrpc.org/ceds) for regional collaboration. Since 1986, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission has been an EDD, as designated by the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). This designation allows Tri-County to receive planning grant dollars from the EDA and provides every municipality within the three-county region eligibility for the EDA's different investment programs. These programs include: • Public Works and Economic Development • Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) • Research and National Technical Assistance • Local Technical Assistance • Planning Program • University Center Economic Development • Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms What is a Regional Clearinghouse & Intergovernmental Review? As of July 1, 2018, the State of Michigan and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments,(https://semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review) acting on behalf of the State as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for regional coordination, no longer participate in the clearinghouse review process for federal grants. Therefore, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission no longer reviews proposed projects subject to Executive Order 12372 of 1982 requesting federal funds. As a local government organization engaged in promoting intergovernmental coordination, we encourage applicants for federal financial assistance to coordinate with other governments and organizations impacted by their work. We continue to maintain a regional inventory of land use and master plans for better coordination and collaboration across jurisdictional boundary lines. For more information on the Michigan Federal Project Review System and Regional Clearinghouse process, visit semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review.(https://semcog.org/Clearinghouse-Review) What is Public Planning? Public planning is just that - planning for our region's future needs and making a plan to tackle them. It aims to optimize the effectiveness of how our community uses land and develops infrastructure to improve the connectivity, quality of life, safety, economic success, and sustainability of our communities. Public planning looks at the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, particularly transportation networks. We formulate plans for the development and management of the region's urban, suburban, and rural areas, analyzing land use compatability and economic, environmental, travel demand, and social trends. These plans provide guidance for elected officials, planners, and local units of government to make informed decisions about how to best use our communities' land, maintain our infrastructure, and responsibility utilize our resources and assets. MPO EDD Clearinghouse History&Designations

Tri-County houses and staffs several water resource groups that work to educate the public, exchange knowledge about best practices, and assist local governments to keep our drinking and surface water resources clean. Stormwater and groundwater management and watershed protection are our core programming areas. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER QUALITY All Program Planning Areas Water Resources Environment & Natural Resources Water Resources Water Trails Infrastructure Resilience Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy Our Tri-County Water Policies & Programs Guide is an informational tool and guidance document for decision makers and citizens looking to to protect the region's water resources. It offers a full programming analysis of what's being done to maintain clean and sustainable drinking and surface waters. Learn more about how we protect and enhance our water resources above and below the surface and promote stewardship of our built and natural assets below. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT & WATERSHED PROTECTION We all live in a watershed and can help care for it by keeping our stormwater clean! Learn more about your role in water protection here. Learn More GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT & WELLHEAD PROTECTION Groundwater is used for drinking water by more than 50% of the people in the U.S., including almost everyone who lives in rural areas. Learn More Tri-County houses and staffs several water resource groups that work to educate the public, exchange knowledge about best practices, and assist local governments to keep our water resources clean. One group is the Greater Lansing Regional Committee for Stormwater Management (GLRC) , a guiding body comprised of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) communities within the Greater Lansing region. The Committee was established to guide the implementation of the stormwater program for participating communities within the Grand River, Red Cedar River and Looking Glass River watersheds. The GLRC framework of engaged membership provides a forum to collaboratively address surface water issues and regulatory requirements. Tri-County staff assist in the development and implementation of municipal stormwater management plans, provide training and professional development opportunities, and perform required public education on behalf of the GLRC. Tri-County's and GLRC’s regional approach provides uniform messaging to the public and consistent development standards throughout the permit area. Tri-County also manages the Groundwater Management Board , a group of communities in the Greater Lansing area working together to protect our drinking water at its source - groundwater. Interested in the recreational use of our surface waters? Tri-County partnered with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) to create a water trail development plan to improve the connectivity, accessibility, and quality of our region's main water trail, the Middle Grand River. The plan has led to the Middle Grand River becoming one of the first state-designated water trails, strengthening our region's opportunities for future project funding.

Members of the public are welcome to submit comments or questions on specific issues to our staff at any time. We will review your message and respond as soon as possible. Meetings are also open to the public and include an opportunity for public comment on the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENT FORM Members of the public and interested organizations are welcome to submit comments or questions on specific issues to our staff at any time. We will review your message and respond as soon as possible. Committee and Commission meetings are also open to the public and include an opportunity for public comment on the agenda. Check our calendar for meeting dates. Interested in representing your agency, organization, or industry as a stakeholder in our planning processes? Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved. (if applicable) Name * Email * Organization Phone Address Subject * Message * Success! Message received. Send

Tri-County conducts performance-based planning and programming by tracking performance measures, setting data-driven targets for each measure, and selecting projects to help meet those targets to improve our region's transportation system. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PERFORMANCE MEASURES Measuring Our Progress Tri-County conducts performance-based planning and programming by tracking performance measures, setting data-driven targets for each measure, and selecting projects to help meet those targets to improve our region's transportation system. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which was signed into law in 2012, included several provisions that have shifted the focus of the Federal surface transportation program toward the achievement of performance outcomes. The current surface transportation bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), was signed in 2021 and continues MAP-21’s overall performance approach and ensures investments in projects that collectively make progress toward the national goals. In accordance with the surface transportation legislation, Tri-County is coordinating with our local, state, and federal partners to implement performance based planning and programming in our region. This page will be updated regularly to reflect developments in the process.

HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PLANNING AREAS > REGIONAL TRAVEL All Program Planning Areas Future Considerations Transportation Pavement Condition Transportation Improvement Program Safety & Operations Non-Motorized Traffic Congestion Public Transit Freight Regional Travel Future Considerations Long-Range Planning Tri-County is currently in the early stages of planning for passenger air travel. As a regional international airport, the Capital Region International Airport (LAN) provides direct access to many of the nation’s major hub airports on a daily basis. We are studying improved access for both passengers and freight into and out of the airport. The results of the airport access study efforts will be included in the 2045 MTP. The 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan will continue long-standing efforts to provide access to passenger rail opportunities in the region. Currently, passenger rail is provided by AMTRAK via the Bluewater line. Passengers have daily access to trains servicing Chicago to Port Huron. Two additional daily trips are available via bus connector to the Wolverine line serving the Detroit – Chicago corridor. Multimodal Gateway Passenger Air & Rail; Private Bussing Michigan Coast-to-Coast Rail Study Midwest Regional Rail Initiative PASSENGER RAIL This is a great place to tell your story and give people more Learn More PASSENGER AIR This is a great place to tell your story and give people more Learn More BUS SERVICES This is a great place to tell your story and give people more Learn More

Tri-County has undertaken the implementation of a scientific asset management system for roadway pavements to provide the planning of pavement preservation and provide recommendations for rehabilitation and reconstruction of our roadway infrastructure assets. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > TRANSPORTATION > PLANNING AREAS > PAVEMENT CONDITION All Program Planning Areas Pavement Condition Transportation Transportation Improvement Program Metropolitan Transportation Plan Performance Measures Pavement Condition Safety & Operations Non-Motorized Traffic Congestion Public Transit Freight Regional Travel Air Quality (Conformity) Tri-County has undertaken the implementation of a scientific asset management system for roadway pavements to provide the planning of pavement preservation and provide recommendations for rehabilitation and reconstruction of our roadway infrastructure assets. Tri-County collaborates with local and state officials to assess the condition of paved surface roadways using a visual rating system called Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating , or PASER. We are the responsible agency for coordinating with locals and the Transportation Asset Management Council to conduct PASER ratings for the tri-county area. Road ratings are then used to set priorities for maintenance and other improvement projects. Beginning fall 2018, Tri-County has produced an annual report outlining the current condition of the system and identifying the needs of the federal aid system in the region. These reports provide “snapshots” of the current conditions as well as provide feedback to our local communities as to what repairs are working as expected and where improvements in the treatment may be necessary. The region's 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan also includes a long-range plan for managing conditions of the local roadway system in the region.

The Greater Lansing region is home to incredible recreational and natural assets, and the Grand River is no exception. At 262 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and its watershed is the second largest at 5,572 square miles. HOME > PROGRAMS & SERVICES > ENVIRONMENT > PLANNING AREAS > WATER TRAILS All Program Planning Areas Water Trails Environment & Natural Resources Water Resources Water Trails Infrastructure Resilience Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy The Greater Lansing region is home to incredible recreational and natural assets, and the Grand River is no exception. At 252 miles, the Grand River is the longest river in Michigan and its watershed is the second largest at 5,572 square miles. It is the most populated watershed in the state with more than 1.5 million people living within its boundaries, and thousands more visit and use the Grand River every year. The Grand River is comprised of three sections, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Grand. The Middle Grand, the portion that resides within our tri-county region, is defined as the Grand River from Eaton Rapids to Lyons, and includes the entire watersheds of the Maple, Looking Glass and Red Cedar rivers. Watershed Events What Is a Water Trail? In December of 2018, the Middle Grand River was selected by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as one of the first waterways in Michigan to be a state-designated water trail . A water trail is any route along a river, lake, or bay that is specifically designed for the use of small boats such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc., and has developed access and launch points accessible to the public. The Middle Grand River Water Trail, which extends 87 miles throughout Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Ionia counties, has 33 access sites that provide a variety of experiences for paddlers of all experience levels. Water trails, or blueways, are similar to hiking and biking trails, also known as greenways. They are more than recreational assets - they support tourism, encourage exercise and healthy outdoor activities, promote appreciation and protection of our natural resources, and connect us to community assets and public spaces. Visitors and residents in the tri-county region can enjoy paddling along the Middle Grand River Water Trail, Red Cedar River Water Trail, and Looking Glass River. A variety of paddling events, river cleanups, and educational seminars are held to protect these wild and scenic resources. Middle Grand River Water Trail Map Water Trail Map By using the Middle Grand River Water Trail Map, you agree not to hold the creators of this map liable for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur because you used this information. All information on the interactive water trail map is subject to change. It is not a substitute for your use of reasonable care or up-to-date knowledge of river conditions. Make your own evaluation of the water, current, portages, weather, and hazards. Wear a properly fastened life jacket, be sure you are informed on water safety and paddling techniques, and plan routes appropriate for your skills. View Full Map Created by Tri-County RPC for Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds . Explore the new printed Middle Grand River Water Trail map for an overview of the trail and descriptions of amenities at access sites, suggested tours, dams, areas of caution, paddling etiquette, local attractions, and the history of the Middle Grand River Water Trail. Visit a trail town partner to obtain your own printed map! Click on each image to enlarge or click here to download. Created in partnership with the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds . Partnering Together The Middle Grand River Water Trail's state designation was thanks to a partnership between Tri-County and the Middle Grand River Organization of Watersheds (MGROW) . Together, we created a water trail development plan aimed at improving the Middle Grand River's connectivity, accessibility, and quality. In the fall of 2024, all 252 miles of the Grand River became designated as a state water trail, linking the Lower Grand River Water Trail to the Middle Grand River Water Trail and the Upper Grand River Water Trail. We continue to work on national water trail designation and integrating Middle Grand River tributaries into the water trail effort in hopes of developing water trails on the Red Cedar, Looking Glass, and Maple Rivers. Learn more about MGROW and their partnership with the Upper and Lower Grand River here .

PROGRAM PLANNING AREAS Infrastructure Resilience Transportation & Mobility Pavement Condition Safety & Operations Non-Motorized (Bicycle & Pedestrian) Traffic Congestion Public Transit Freight (Movement of Goods) Regional Travel (Passenger Air, Rail, & Bus) Air Quality (Conformity) Performance Measures Short-Range Planning (TIP) Long-Range Planning (MTP) Environment & Natural Resources Water Quality & Management Water Trails Air Quality Green Infrastructure Energy Community Development Talent & Workforce Development Placemaking & the Arts Urban & Rural Development Housing Recreational Access & Greenspace Hazard Mitigation Economic Resiliency

The public is always welcome at meetings of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. View agendas, materials, and minutes for upcoming and past meetings here. MEETING MATERIALS, AGENDAS, & MINUTES Have Questions? Contact our commission clerk for assistance with documents. Archived meeting minutes and agendas are available upon request. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Learn more about the Board Exec Minutes BOC Minutes Navigate to a Committee Board of Commissioners Executive Committee CARTS (Transportation) Regional Economic Collaborative GLRC on Stormwater Management Groundwater Management Board Mid-Michigan Water Authority Rural Task Force Archive EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Learn more about our leadership Meetings Calendar Tri-County is committed to open and accessible events. Requests for interpretation, accommodations for persons with disabilities, and assistance with additional needs should be made five business days in advance of the meeting date. Pueden hacerse arreglos para personas con discapacidades y para aquellos con dominio limitado del idioma inglés. Envíe un correo electrónico o llame al 517-393-0342 para indicar sus necesidades. CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY Learn more about CARTS CARTS Minutes Archive 2015 2014 2019 2018 2023 2022 2013 2012 2017 2016 2021 2020 2024 2025 RURAL TASK FORCE Learn more about RTF RTF Minutes REC Minutes REGIONAL ECONOMIC COLLABORATIVE Learn more about REC GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD Learn more about the GMB GMB Minutes GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT BOARD EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Learn more about the GMB MMWA Minutes MID-MICHIGAN WATER AUTHORITY Learn more about the MMWA