ESCANABA -- The Michigan Department of Transportation announced Thursday that they will be closing eight facilities throughout the state, including one in Escanaba.

"The changes we are announcing today show our commitment to working better, faster, cheaper, safer and smarter for the benefit of Michigan residents and businesses," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle.

The Transportation Service Center in Escanaba will close.  The duties that facility performs will be distributed to other U.P. TSC facilities, according to MDOT officials.  The Superior Region Office in Escanaba will remain open.

"Although there were certainly some difficult decisions to be made, this reorganization will allow MDOT to more effectively focus on its essential operations," said Senator Tom Casperson, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

The total cuts will save MDOT about $300,000 a year in rent and utilities.  The closures are expected to be complete by October 1, 2011, according to Director Steudle. 

"We have 15 percent fewer staff than two years ago, which is worth an estimated $45 million to the department in potential state and federal funds," Steudle stated.  "Plus we have chosen not to fill 60 manager or supervisor positions.  We have curtailed hiring in anticipation of fewer federal dollars and the basic need of state government to trim staff."

The official press release from the Michigan Department of Transportation can be read here.