The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) is hoping Gov. Jennifer Granholm's comments on why the gas tax shouldn't be raised to fund more road improvements gets the public thinking more about the issue.

Gov. Granholm commented at her year-end press conference Tuesday that she doesn't want to increase the gas tax.

"By discussing the issue publicly, the governor is acknowledging the dramatic investment needs of Michigan's infrastructure, which should be a high priority in 2008," said Mike Nystrom, vice president of government and public relations with MITA. "Her comments on transportation funding give us reason to believe she will finally help address these problems once and for all."

MITA supports a 9-cent gas tax increase phased in over three years.