A new website trying to build interest in boosting financing for the state's roads and transportation system was announced on Monday.

The Michigan Transportation Team that includes more than 40 different business, labor and local government groups - including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Manufacturers Association, the Michigan Municipal League, the County Road Association of Michigan and the International Union of Operating Engineers - announced it had started http://www.drivemi.org/ to "tackle Michigan's long-standing practice of underfunding transportation needs."

The website does not directly call for an increase in Michigan's gasoline tax, but does say that law puts responsibility on the Legislature to raise funds when inflation increases and that the gas tax has been raised just once in 20 years.

In a release, Mike Nystrom said: "Michigan roads are some of the worst in the country. Current funding is unable to keep pace with the transportation needs across the state."

In 2004, Mr. Nystrom said, The Road Information Program estimated in 2004 had an annual shortfall of $700 million in transportation funding over the next 20 years.