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M-1 project awards $40M in contracts to local and minority businesses

Detroit-based companies, along with women, minority and disadvantaged business enterprises, have been awarded nearly 30% of the construction and concurrent road work for the M-1 RAIL streetcar project.

August 27, 2014
M-1 project awards $40M in contracts to local and minority businesses

Construction launched on the M-1 Rail line in July.

2 min to read


Construction launched on the M-1 Rail line in July.

Streetcars will once again travel the Woodward corridor after a nearly 60-year hiatus thanks to services and materials provided by dedicated Detroit companies hired to build the streetcar line.

“M-1 RAIL is much more than just transit; it’s about enabling economic inclusion and social mobility for those who have built their lives and businesses in Detroit,” said M-1 RAIL President/CEO Matthew P. Cullen. “We have many exceptional Detroit companies working with us that are an integral part of the project and their outstanding service, craftsmanship and partnership are critical to the success of M-1 RAIL.”

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RELATED:Detroit's streetcar project moves forward

Detroit-based companies, along with women, minority and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), have been awarded nearly 30% of the construction and concurrent road work for the M-1 RAIL streetcar project. That amounts to nearly $40 million in contracts awarded to Detroit-based and certified women, minority and DBE businesses.

M-1 RAIL’s inclusion percentage is twice the national average when compared to similar projects.  

M-1 RAIL contractors include Hart & Associates Construction, a Detroit-based, women-owned business founded by Tiffany L. Hart in 2009. As many as 28 Hart & Associates employees will work on the project, providing traffic regulation (flaggers) and asphalt paving services.

In all there are 11 Detroit-based companies and six women and minority business enterprises working on the M-1 streetcar. With at least eight other companies certified as a disadvantaged business enterprise being awarded streetcar project contracts.

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