Romulus city officials announced on Dec. 8 that the regional review committee has awarded a $1,000,000 Transportation Alternatives (TAC) grant to build pedestrian facilities along the north side of Beverly Road.

Roberto Scappettucci, who led the presentation for the administration, said the project would construct new sidewalk from St. John’s Lodge Park across the middle school and the golf course to Wayne Road, repair deteriorated sections, fill existing open ditches, install storm infrastructure and add marked crossings to get pedestrians — including schoolchildren — off the roadway and onto safe walkways. "This will allow the residents on the north side of town... to be able to walk along Beverly Road, walk to the park, walk to school," Scappettucci said.

Amy O'Leary, executive director of SEMCAC, described SEMCOG’s role connecting federal transportation dollars to local projects and confirmed Romulus’s record of previous funded sidewalk projects. SEMCOG staff said the regional review committee prioritized Beverly Road because it closes gaps that currently force pedestrians into the travel lane and improves access to parks and schools across Southeast Michigan.

U.S. congressional and state representatives attending the meeting also voiced support. "This particular sidewalk will connect our students, our families, communities," said Shree Thanidar, who represented the congressional office. State Representative Reggie Miller thanked city staff for pursuing grants and noted the long planning effort behind the project.

City staff said design work is expected to be completed in 2026 and construction in 2027. The administration characterized the award as a federal grant that reduces reliance on city general-fund dollars for the work.

The council did not take separate action on the grant at this meeting beyond the presentation and public recognition; next steps include final design and coordination with property owners where right-of-way is limited. The project team said some segments will require alignment choices because the city does not own all adjacent property.