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MICHIGAN’S ROADS IN CRISIS
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The Citizens Advisory Committee, Highway, Road and Bridge Subcommittee recently released their report to the Michigan Transportation Funding Task Force. The report provides documented information on the critical status of Michigan’s under-funded highway, road and bridge system. Using a rating system of “do nothing, good, better and best” the subcommittee was asked to evaluate the state transportation system and determine its needs.
The subcommittee concluded “when it comes to maintaining its roads, Michigan is failing, and continuing the status quo (do nothing) will result in an acceleration of the rate of decline of the road and bridge system, which will lead to declining quality of life and reduced economic competitiveness in the global economy. Bold action is required now”
At current funding levels ($3.2 billion annually) it is estimated that M-DOT will lose $750 million and local road agencies $204 million annually by 2015 due to the inability to match federal funding, while roads continue to crumble. “Maintaining the status quo essentially guarantees that Michigan’s roads will become increasingly pothole riddled, congested, unplowed and dangerous.”
The subcommittee estimated it would cost $6.1 billion annually to improve the state and local road and bridge system to “good” condition, and $12.6 billion to bring the system to a “better” condition. Although doubling the amount spent on roads may seem impossible in our current economy, the alternatives are even more ominous.
How did our infrastructure get this bad? Why isn’t $3.2 billion a year enough to meet the needs of the system? What does a “good” or “better” road and bridge system mean for Michigan’s economy? For the answers to these questions and many more, the Highway, Road and Bridge Subcommittee report, entitled “Michigan’s Roads in Crisis” can be downloaded by clicking here.
Stay tuned- The initial recommendations of the Transportation Funding Task Force established by PA 221 of 2007 are expected to be released in October, 2008.
CRAM RUSH-PAC Endorses Friends of Transportation
The CRAM RUSH-PAC has announced its list of endorsed candidates for the 2008 Primary Election for the Michigan House of Representatives.  Full Story A Long Path to Recovery
The County Road Association of Michigan expressed gratitude to Gov. Granholm for declaring a State of Emergency for the counties of Allegan, Eaton, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Osceola, Ottawa and Wexford; and for providing emergency assistance to road commissions in these counties. Full Story
Who benefits from high gas prices?
As gasoline hit $4 per gallon, and families struggle to purchase fuel needed for essential travel, motorists deserve to know who benefits from the increase in cost. State and federal fuel taxes are an easy target, but truth be told these revenues are decreasing. So who benefits? Certainly not Michigan roads! Education, local governments, the state general fund…now that’s a different story! Full Story
First Class Roads ~ First Class Economy
The Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) was created in 1987 to assist in the funding of highway, road and street projects necessary to support economic growth. Its mission is “to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and enhance the state’s ability to compete in the global market place.”
In 2007, when the State of Michigan was in a “single state recession,” struggling with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, why then did the legislature suggest cuts to the TEDF? Full Story |
The winter of 2008 developed into the “perfect storm” for Michigan’s county road commissions. After experiencing years of flat or decreasing revenues and sky rocketing costs, a winter with higher than average snow falls has hit local road agencies especially hard. Full Story
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Pothole Contest Highlights Need for Increased Road Funding
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The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) recently announced the winners of their annual pothole contest. The contest, sponsored by the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is intended to highlight the poor condition of Michigan’s roads and bridges. According to County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) Director, John Niemela, “The results of the contest support the need for additional funding. Full Story
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Gas Tax Debate--Not Just in Michigan
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From the Corn Belt to the Deep South, from the West Coast to the East, states are struggling with a lack of transportation funding. The deterioration of the transportation infrastructure is being felt across the country as costs and inflation increase, while funding available for road projects stagnates. In order to fully understand the federal response to road funding, it is helpful to have a glimpse at what other states are dealing with. Full Story
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Abolishing Road Commissions?
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State Senators John Gleason and Jud Gilbert, and State Representatives Richard Hammel and David Robertson, have introduced legislation to abolish road commissions. While it may not come as a surprise that the County Road Association of Michigan opposes this legislation, the reasons deserve careful consideration. An objective review of the arguments on both sides of this issue must consider accountability and accessibility, as well as potential cost savings. Full Story
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