LANSING — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced on Thursday more than $3 million in Southwest Michigan road repair projects.

The projects in the 21st District include:

• $1.1 million for repairs on M-43 from 64th Street to the Blue Star Highway;

• $750,000 for work on Cleveland Avenue from Wagner Road to Warren Woods Road;

• $130,000 to repair M-63 over Hickory Creek in Berrien County; and

• $1,035,000 to resurface Red Arrow Highway throughout Bridgman.

“This is great news for Southwest Michigan families and job providers, who are keenly aware of the difference between the condition of our roads and those of our neighboring states,” said Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph. “The most important reason for improving our roads is ensuring the safety of drivers and their passengers. However, quality roadways are also vital to supporting local businesses and attracting tourists and new job providers.

The transportation projects are being funded by grants from MDOT through the $115 million state Roads and Risk Reserve Fund.

Proos helped announce four projects in the 21st District with a total investment of $3,015,000.

“This investment is an example of Michigan maximizing its ability to fix our roads with the resources already available,” Proos said. “We are able to fund these critical projects today because, during the last three years, we’ve improved state efficiency and accountability and approved state budgets that were fiscally sound and structurally balanced.”

As part of the Fiscal Year 2014 General Government budget, the Legislature created the RRR Fund, using $230 million in one-time General Fund revenue. One-half of the funds were available for appropriation on Oct. 1, 2013, and the other half can be appropriated for roads on Feb. 1, 2014, if it has not been dedicated to other purposes.

This funding is in addition to $121.3 million from the state General Fund used to fully match available federal transportation funds.

“I’m very encouraged by the Legislature’s willingness to devote greater investment in our transportation system,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The Roads and Risks Reserve Fund is a terrific start, and we’ll carry that momentum forward to our goal of fully funding the needs of Michigan’s roads, bridges, rails, airports and public transit. The longer we wait, the more difficult the solution will be.”

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is prepared to deliver the additional state highway and bridge projects this coming construction season, addressing more of the infrastructure needs in the state.

“By creating the Roads and Risks Reserve Fund, the Legislature acknowledged the vital need for investing in Michigan’s transportation system,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “MDOT appreciates this additional funding, and we will continue working with lawmakers and Gov. Snyder to identify a long-term solution to maintain infrastructure to support Michigan’s economic comeback.”