A quality transportation network helped fuel a strong and vibrant Michigan economy throughout much of the 20th century.

But today the deteriorating condition of Michigan's transportation infrastructure threatens the state's economic future. From crumbing roadways to outdated and dangerous bridges, the evidence of economic neglect is stark and frightening.
 

TRIP, a national nonprofit that promotes quality transportation, recently examined Michigan's surface transportation system and identified key ways to improve it. Its report, "Top 50 Surface Transportation Projects to Stimulate Michigan's Economic Recovery," is a roadmap for revitalizing Michigan's economy.

No one in Michigan needs reminding that the state has been hammered by economic forces largely outside its control for more than a decade. Leading the nation in joblessness is something Michigan is neither used to, nor proud of.
 

The list of Top 50 transportation projects -- led by the need to construct a second bridge linking Detroit and Windsor and including the development of bus and rail transit systems across the state -- could produce the spark needed to reverse Michigan's sagging economic fortunes.
 

It won't be easy, quick or inexpensive. But Michigan simply cannot afford to continue on its path of disinvestment. Congested roadways, long delays at key international border crossing and obsolete or structurally deficient bridges are hardly the "welcome mats" Michigan needs to convince businesses to expand or locate here. Investments in critically needed transportation projects are nothing less than down payments on a better Michigan for generations to come.
 

Michigan is blessed with many riches -- an abundance of natural resources headlined by the spectacular Great Lakes, a higher education system that is second to none and attracts students from around the globe, and a highly skilled work force.
 

Its once great transportation network can be restored to its former glory. A state that showed the grit and determination to build the Mackinac Bridge -- an engineering feat that critics a half-century ago insisted couldn't be done -- will not cower in the face of long odds and doing what's needed. Michigan must find the will and the resources to meet the transportation demands of today as well as tomorrow.
 

Inaction is not an option when Michigan is faced with the very real possibility of becoming a secondary player in the ever-changing global economy.
 

The challenge is great, but so are the stakes. Continuing to ignore reality is an unworkable mindset. An improved surface transportation network would foster economic resurgence in Michigan and re-establish Michigan as a premier place to live, raise a family, work and do business.
 

We should get to work on building it.
 

Frank Moretti is director of policy and research at TRIP, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C., that promotes transportation policies to improve safety, protect the environment and enhance economic productivity. Moretti can be reached at frankrmoretti@hotmail.com or at (202) 262-0714. Send comments to letters@detnews.com.