http://www.drivemi.org RSS feeds for Drive MI 60 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12852/Adrian-Daily-Telegram-Quality-of-county-roads-in-decline.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12852 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12852&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12852/Adrian-Daily-Telegram-Quality-of-county-roads-in-decline.aspx A graph showing a steady decline of county primary roads was added to this year’s annual report by the Lenawee County Road Commission. It was presented Wednesday to the county commission. “It’s pretty telling of what’s happening with our roads,” said Scott Merillat, road commission managing director. The percentage of primary roads rated in good condition dropped from about 35 percent in 2008 to 5 percent last year. The percentage of roads rated as poor increased each year from less than 10 percent in 2006 to more than 40 percent last year. Roads rated as fair have remained steady at more than 50 percent the last three years, according to the report. While data the state government requires the road commission to collect documents deteriorating road conditions, he said, the state has done nothing yet to solve the funding crisis for Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. “We’re doing all this stuff and it shows me exactly what I knew before, my roads are getting worse,” Merillat said. The road commission has to spend thousands of dollars a year to document the condition of the roads, he said, but the Legislature is not responding to the data road agencies are mandated to collect. The latest estimates are that $1.5 billion is needed to fix Michigan roads, he said. “But no one wants to take the step forward and find it,” he said. Meanwhile, the shortfall in road funding is growing each year, Merillat said. Lenawee County’s state road revenue was $100,000 less last year than it was in 2001, he said. The 2011 road commission report contained one bit of good news. A steady drain on the agency’s reserve funds was halted last year. The road commission ended 2011 with a $600,000 surplus after a decline of $2.3 million in the previous three years.   drivemi Mon, 14 May 2012 13:20:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12852 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12851/Survey-Wed-pay-more-for-roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12851 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12851&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12851/Survey-Wed-pay-more-for-roads.aspx The hardworking folks over at the Michigan Environmental Council have released the results of a survey that asked 600 Michiganians if they were willing to pay more to invest in the state's infrastructure, specifically roads, bridges and public transportation. According to the survey, 62 percent of those surveyed would be willing to pay $10 a month more in taxes if they knew it went entirely to roads and public transportation. Additionally, 70 percent of voters said they would not vote against politicians who voted to raise taxes $20 per month for infrastructure and transportation upgrades. I ran with the report and decided to ask readers if they were also willing to pony up an extra $10 or $20 a month in taxes for transportation. "I wouldn't mind to pay if, and this is a really big if, if the money went directly into the roads," Taylor resident Robert Bates said. "I use the roads a lot because I'm often driving 250 miles up to my cabin. If they were to tack that extra $120 onto the price of license plates, there are people who wouldn't be able to afford plates anymore. "And that would probably lead to more stolen plates." Fenton resident Don Messing wouldn't hold it against any politician who voted to raise taxes earmarked strictly for infrastructure. "I'd be in the 70 percent that would have no problem with it," Messing said. "But I would oppose raising a road tax if those so-and-so's had the ability to tap into it for something else. I would want the money to go strictly to the roads and not public transportation. "There are so many times I've seen buses go by and they're mostly empty. And they don't maintain them properly. It's a waste of money." Andrew Hirtzel wouldn't mind paying an extra $10 a month in taxes if. … "If I knew it was going to go strictly into the roads," said Hirtzel of Livonia. "In that case, I'd pay an extra $10 per month, but I don't want it going anywhere else. And I wouldn't want to see it go into the bus system because most of us in Michigan ride in cars, not in buses." A "roads-only" tax also would be OK with Commerce Township resident Hal Fox. "I wouldn't be opposed to the 10 buck a month thing if they could somehow mandate that the money couldn't be raided for something else in the budget," Fox said. "If the politicians did that, I would hold them accountable. I would prefer to see that the entire tax go to the roads and not bus systems. "Public transportation is such a can of worms when it comes to trying to get regional municipalities to agree on anything." Detroiter Thomas Wilson grudgingly would agree to a $10 a month tax boost. "They just keep taxing us to death … but if goes strictly for the roads then I wouldn't mind," Wilson said. "It's just that often politicians say one thing and do another. Bus service is important in this region so I'd like to see the money split evenly between the roads and the bus system." The poll results can be seen at http://bit.ly/IE363l.       drivemi Tue, 01 May 2012 15:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12851 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12850/Michigan-Transportation-Teams-Heads-to-Washington-Advocates-for-Infrastructure-Funding.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12850 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12850&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12850/Michigan-Transportation-Teams-Heads-to-Washington-Advocates-for-Infrastructure-Funding.aspx LANSING – Michigan Transportation Team members travelled to Washington, D.C., this week to plead Michigan’s case for increased highway and clean water funding. Congress has thus far failed to pass a long-term highway reauthorization budget that would provide Michigan adequate funding to meet the needs of its deteriorating roads, bridges and underground sewer systems. The Senate recently passed a three-month extension of the budget, and the House last week passed another extension until the end of September. The future, however, is unclear. “We are advocating for a long-term solution to eliminate uncertainty and allow the state to go about the business of fixing our roads and bridges with extremely limited state funds,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) and co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT). “Bringing leaders to Washington from the heavy construction industry, labor and business will help Congress understand that adequate funding is important to our entire state.” The governor of Michigan has said that roads drive better jobs, Nystrom added, and the Detroit Regional Chamber could not agree more. “Economic development generated by infrastructure improvements creates jobs, which is good for all businesses in Michigan,” said Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Michigan needs to be a leader in the quality of our infrastructure, and every industry relies on good roads, bridges and underground water/sewer systems. More funding for infrastructure is a win for everyone.” In addition to advocating for highway funding, the MTT will talk to members of Congress about the need to reauthorize the Clean Water Act, which has been in limbo since 1987. Without reauthorization of the Act, there is no long-term strategy to fund the country’s deteriorating water/sewer infrastructure. The MTT is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s infrastructure. Groups participating in this year’s Washington Fly-In include: MITA, Detroit Regional Chamber, Klett Construction, Klett Recycle, E.C. Levy Co., Michigan Department of Transportation, P.K. Contracting, Inc., Anlaan Corporation, C.A. Hull Co., Inc., International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324, Michigan Paving & Materials, Co., and the County Road Association of Michigan.     drivemi Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12850 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12849/MDOT-Study-Shows-Less-Bridges-Structurally-Deficient.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12849 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12849&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12849/MDOT-Study-Shows-Less-Bridges-Structurally-Deficient.aspx A new MDOT study shows that there are almost 300 bridges across that state that are labeled as structurally deficient, meaning they need to be worked on.  Now that number is down from last year, but MDOT is running out of money and some say they are quickly approaching a crisis mode. Whether you drive over them or under them, thousands of people travel across bridges every day. With all that travel comes a lot of wear and tear and the states latest department of transportation study proves it. With 299 bridges throughout the state labeled as structurally deficient, 7 throughout Ingham County. "What that general means that its either needing repair or outdated and needs to be updated," said MDOT Spokesperson Kari Arend.  Now even though that number is down from last year, lance Binoniemi who represents roughly 450 contractors that work on repairing those bridges says the state is not in good shape. "We have the most structurally deficient bridges in the great lakes area, we have a higher percentage of bridges in the state than anyone around us, so we think we are in a crisis mode, unfortunately it doesn't get any better," said vice president government affairs Lance Binoniemi.  As a result of the lack in funding contractors can not always fully replace a bridge like the one on Grand River and Saginaw so they are left with performing short term fixes, sometimes known as plywood diapers. "If you drive behind a bridge or underneath a bridge and you see plywood underneath that bridge, that adds no structural integrity to that bridge, that plywood, we like to call them ply-wood diapers, that plywood is merely there to collect concrete from falling on cars as they pass underneath" Binoniemi said.  A scary, but inexpensive and necessary fix that Binoniemi says is the states only option at this point. With more work scheduled in the next 5 years MDOT can only hope voters will accept an increase in gas tax and vehicle registration fees to help pay for repairs. Repairs that will help make sure everyone has a safe and smooth ride in the future.  Binoniemi says bridge work along 496 and 127 is scheduled for next year but adds if Michigan doesn't find funding soon-they could be forced to shut down deficient bridges.     drivemi Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12849 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12848/Americas-Highway-Workers-are-There-After-National-Disasters.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12848 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12848&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12848/Americas-Highway-Workers-are-There-After-National-Disasters.aspx   drivemi Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12848 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12847/TRIP-Report-2012.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12847 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12847&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12847/TRIP-Report-2012.aspx   drivemi Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:04:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12847 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12846/Oakland-Press-States-roads-bridges-get-poor-marks.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12846 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12846&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12846/Oakland-Press-States-roads-bridges-get-poor-marks.aspx Click here for a link to the 2012 TRIP Report. Michigan’s transportation infrastructure is in serious decline and will require more than $1 billion to bring it back to an acceptable standard, according to a report recently released by TRIP, a non-profit research firm in Washington. “Michigan stands at a literal crossroads,” TRIP Director of Policy and Research Frank Moretti said. “Decisions made over the next decade will have a profound impact on the state.” The report, entitled, “Where are we going?” outlines four scenarios based on the level of funding Michigan commits to transportation over the next decade. Inadequate roads, highways and bridges in Michigan currently cost the average state household $3,014 annually in the form of traffic accidents, delays, extra vehicle operation costs due to poor roads, and other problems. At current funding levels, that number is expected to rise to $3,649 per household by 2022. The report further revealed that only 18 percent of Michigan’s major roads are in “good” condition, while 35 percent are rated “poor.” Thirteen percent of Michigan’s 10,753 bridges are rated “structurally deficient,” which is expected to rise to 17 percent by 2022, under current funding formulas. In 2010, 935 people were killed in crashes on Michigan’s roads and highways. Under current funding formulas, 7,955 are expected to die on the road from 2012 to 2022. This number can be reduced to 7,000, or 955 fewer deaths over the same period, if Michigan invests in robust roadway safety improvements, Moretti said. Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle made a plea for greater transportation investment, saying “where we’re headed is worse than where we started.” Moretti compared Michigan’s transportation infrastructure to a house with a hole in the roof. Failing to repair the roof will cost the homeowner far more down the line, he explained, while a comparatively small initial investment could save the homeowner greater damage. Indeed, waiting until Michigan’s roads are 35 percent “poor” could require $8 billion for repairs, according to Department of Transportation research. “Time is not our friend,” Steudle said, noting that infrastructure continues to deteriorate with every passing moment. “The time to avert this inevitable crisis is now. It’s our responsibility that we cannot ignore or postpone.” drivemi Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12846 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12845/Detroit-Free-Press-Without-more-money-expect-a-bumper-crop-of-potholes-on-Michigan-roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12845 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12845&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12845/Detroit-Free-Press-Without-more-money-expect-a-bumper-crop-of-potholes-on-Michigan-roads.aspx   In 10 years, potholes in Michigan's roads will surpass the lousy conditions of the late 1990s, when driver outrage sparked the state's last gas tax increase, unless lawmakers find a way to boost spending to keep highways from deteriorating, officials warned Tuesday. Without an infusion of road money, the conditions on Michigan's expressways and major state roads will slip from the current 89% in good or fair condition to more than half in poor shape by 2022, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle said at a news conference. He unveiled a new report that outlines the risk of not increasing funding for transportation. "Where we're headed is worse than where we started," Steudle said of the low point in the '90s, when lawmakers and a reluctant Gov. John Engler raised the state's gasoline tax by 4 cents a gallon amid widespread anger over potholes. The new report Tuesday by TRIP, a Washington-based transportation research group funded primarily by the construction industry, said 35% of Michigan's major roads are in poor condition. If funding levels stay at their current $1.2 billion, that number will nearly double, to 65%, because the state will be able to do less with the money it has as costs rise and repair needs mount. TRIP's policy and research director, Frank Moretti, said the state's lawmakers and voters face tough decisions. But, while raising more money for roads might mean raising fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees, the payoff is in lower annual household costs from the effects of bad roads: congestion, traffic crashes and vehicle damage, the report said. TRIP estimates bad roads cost the average Michigan household $3,014 a year, a number it expects to rise to $3,649 by 2022. If the state invested more to improve road conditions, the household cost from those bad roads could decline to $1,745 a year, by TRIP's estimate. A bipartisan legislative report by state Reps. Rick Olson, R-Saline, and Roy Schmidt, D-Grand Rapids, last year documented $1.4 billion in additional road needs each year and called on the state to boost its spending by that much. Last week, Olson and Schmidt revised that number to $1.5 billion a year, saying delays are only adding to the tab. "We are losing this game every month that we delay," Steudle said. "If we aren't willing to pay now, we will have to pay much more later." Steudle noted that help from Washington for Michigan and other states isn't likely, noting that Congress hasn't been able to pass a long-term transportation bill over disagreements on spending levels. House Republicans in Washington, for one, recently called for a 36% cut to federal Highway Trust Fund spending, while President Barack Obama proposes increasing the funding. Michigan lawmakers have proposed increasing vehicle registration fees, raising wholesale gas taxes and other measures, but transportation-spending bills have been stalled, Steudle said. The TRIP report is available at www.tripnet.org. Contact Matt Helms: 313-222-1450 or mhelms@freepress.com.   drivemi Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12845 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12844/Senate-approves-plan-that-could-raise-more-than-100-million-for-Michigan-roads-bridges.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12844 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12844&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12844/Senate-approves-plan-that-could-raise-more-than-100-million-for-Michigan-roads-bridges.aspx The Michigan Senate has approved a bill that could raise revenue for road repairs by more than $100 million per year, largely depending on the price of gas and diesel fuel. The legislation approved 26-11 Tuesday would change how some of the money raised by the 6 percent sales tax on motor fuel is distributed. More of the money would go directly to roads and less would go to the state's general fund. The bill advances to the House. The legislation would not affect the portion of the sales tax that goes to support Michigan schools. The vote comes as lawmakers try to find ways to raise roughly $1.4 billion more per year to fix Michigan's deteriorating road system. Lawmakers have not reached consensus on the road funding issue.     drivemi Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12844 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12843/Detroit-News-Congressional-waffling-hurts-state-roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12843 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12843&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12843/Detroit-News-Congressional-waffling-hurts-state-roads.aspx Gov. Rick Snyder's desire to improve the way Michigan takes care of its public infrastructure faces an even bigger roadblock than reluctance by state lawmakers in his own party to raise the added $1.4 billion a year that's needed: the U.S. Congress. Three years of debate have failed to produce a new U.S. transportation program, leaving states with no certainty about the federal revenue stream that provides a huge chunk of their yearly road repair budgets. It's both good and bad news that the U.S. House reportedly will move another short-term extension of the expired 2005-09 federal transportation bill to avoid a March 31 shutdown of the federal government's ability to collect and spend fuel tax revenues. The extension allows Congress to avoid what it should have done in 2009 — approve a new transportation act with dependable funding levels that Michigan and the other states could factor into their own road repair planning. U.S. House Speaker John Boehner has been trying to rally support among the Republican majority in his chamber for a new $260-billion five-year surface transportation act that would dramatically overhaul the methodology for funding road and bridge repairs. The problem is that House members don't appear to be anywhere near a consensus. Boehner's tentative proposal has notable goals, including consolidation of dozens of duplicative programs; shortened environmental reviews required for highway projects and increased state control over their road dollars. Opponents charge it would muffle citizen voices regarding the impact of projects on them and their property, end dedicated funding for public transportation and link federal transportation funding to uncertain revenues from oil and gas drilling. The U.S. Senate, meanwhile, has approved a bipartisan two-year plan. While imperfect, it's better than another reprise of an outmoded transportation act that already has been extended eight times. The disarray hardly gives states the kind of revenue certainty they'd get from a federal plan covering the more customary time span of at least 5 years. But if Boehner and House members can't agree on their own plan, they'd probably be wise to take what's politically possible at this point and pass it. Then they could go back to work on a longer-term measure incorporating badly-needed reforms. Michigan receives between $1 billion and $1.5 billion a year in federal funds and spends in the neighborhood of $3 billion annually on road and bridge repairs. The state transportation department schedules its work in 5-year blocks, rolling forward a new 5-year plan near the start of each calendar year. Last year, a Legislature-sponsored study confirmed transportation department estimates that much more — $1.4 billion annually — is needed if Michigan wants a modern transportation system as opposed to watching the state's infrastructure steadily decline. But federal indecision undermines Snyder's efforts to persuade lawmakers to raise the money through a new state fuel tax formula and higher vehicle registration fees. drivemi Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12843 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12842/The-Mining-Journal.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12842 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12842&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12842/The-Mining-Journal.aspx MARQUETTE -A number of road commission officials from across the Upper Peninsula gathered in Marquette Friday to discuss transportation funding issues with state Sen. Tom Casperson. Casperson, R - Escanaba, and Jim Shea, one of the founders of the group Students Reinventing Michigan, led a town hall meeting that focused largely on road and infrastructure funding. "I will tell you that I'm convinced there is a problem. A lot of my colleagues believe the same thing," Casperson said. "With road funding being as stagnant as it has been, we're moving backwards." Students Reinventing Michigan sponsors an annual competition that is open to all undergraduate students attending a Michigan university, college or community college. The goal is to look to students to propose solutions to challenges facing the state. In 2011, the competition had students develop a plan to improve Michigan's aging infrastructure. Shea said students determined transportation is key to safety, economy and quality of life and that investment is needed to spur economic growth, attract a talented and mobile workforce and revive neighborhoods and downtowns. While many seem to agree that investment is needed, the question is where an influx of road money will come from. U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that Michigan has ranked near the bottom in per capita road funding for the last five decades, according to Shea. For every gallon of gas sold in Michigan, there is a federal gas tax of 18.4 cents and a state gas tax of 19 cents. These are flat rates and not percentages, so they don't change as the base cost of a gallon of gas fluctuates. "I've had a lot of calls from people frustrated with high gas prices," Casperson said. "They believe that because of the high gas price and because there's a gas tax, that adds up to more revenue for the roads. It's not the truth." Additionally, there is a 6 percent sales tax on gasoline, the vast majority of which is constitutionally earmarked for things like education. The remaining portion of the money is placed in the state's general fund. Casperson said he doesn't believe most other states handle the tax in that way. Though Michigan adds on more tax per gallon of gas than most nearby states, only 19 cents per gallon goes toward roads. In Wisconsin that number is 31 cents per gallon. In Ohio, it is 28 and in Minnesota it's 27. Yet Michigan's total gas tax is higher than that in each of those states. "When you look at it and see the differences in the taxes, you look at the charts, we're actually having to try to justify the fact that Michigan has a very high gasoline tax," Casperson said. "People don't understand a good chunk of it doesn't even go to the roads." State Sen. John Proos, R - St. Joseph, last year introduced a bill in the Senate that would take the 6 percent tax per gallon and allocate it to the State Trunkline Fund for the purpose of matching federal aid highway funds as they are made available. Casperson said the bill - it has passed through the Transportation Committee, which he chairs - could help the situation a bit. But he added that as cars get better gas mileage and as electric vehicles gain in popularity, gas use will fall and even gas taxes may not serve up much of a long-term solution. "Nobody is trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes," he said. "We have to address this issue and it's a difficult one." Road commission officials from Gogebic, Marquette, Dickinson, Alger, Baraga and Schoolcraft counties attended the meeting. Casperson said he was hoping to continue hosting town hall meetings to educate the public on the need to undertake some form of infrastructure funding reform. Kyle Whitney can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. His email address is kwhitney@miningjournal.net drivemi Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12842 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12841/Detroit-Free-Press-Lawmakers-business-groups-to-meet-about-regional-transportation-needs.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12841 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12841&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12841/Detroit-Free-Press-Lawmakers-business-groups-to-meet-about-regional-transportation-needs.aspx After years of piecemeal transportation fixes in southeast Michigan, state lawmakers plan to meet today in Romulus to discuss solutions across an eight-county swath -- from Monroe to Port Huron -- and from potholes to mass transit. "The public is welcome at this meeting, but it's designed for legislators from both parties to come together" with key business, consumer and planning organizations, said state Rep. Jim Townsend, D-Royal Oak, who organized the event. At least 20 state lawmakers from both parties are to hear from the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), among others, about Gov. Rick Snyder's transportation ideas, Townsend said. Those ideas include Snyder's proposed tax on wholesale gasoline, which would translate into about nine cents a gallon at the pump, and a hike in vehicle registration fees. "We need a new transportation policy and it needs to be comprehensive -- not just roads and bridges, but mass transit. That's really what the economy demands," he said. The ideas aren't new, but this is the first transportation meeting to involve a new bipartisan group of state lawmakers called the Southeast Michigan Caucus, which Townsend sparked, said state Rep. Lesia Liss, D-Warren. "Townsend told us, 'Detroit has a caucus. We (throughout southeast Michigan) need a group of our own,' " although Detroit's lawmakers are supportive, Liss said. Republicans, including state Sen. Patrick Colbeck, R-Canton, helped Townsend form the caucus, she said. Today's discussion won't exclude anyone, Liss added. When scheduling it at the Romulus Athletic Center, Townsend "sent a note (inviting) everyone in the Legislature, because eventually all the counties may want to adopt these approaches," she said. They include Townsend's bill to create a regional transportation authority in southeast Michigan, as well as Snyder's bills to create new ways to pay for roads, bridges and mass transit in Michigan, said Carmen Palombo, transportation director for SEMCOG. Michigan is fast running out of money to fund transportation, said Palombo, who planned to attend the meeting. "We have chosen to fund our road and transit improvements by the number of gallons of gas that we sell, and we're selling fewer gallons of gas all the time" because people are driving less while vehicle mileage is constantly improving, he said. "I think there's going to be an assessment by these lawmakers -- what they can agree on, what they can't," he said. Contact Bill Laitner: 313-223-4485 or blaitner@freepress.com More Details: Regional meeting on roads, transit About 15 state lawmakers from across metro Detroit will hear from stakeholder groups, then discuss funding for roads, bridges and mass transit. The session will run 8:30 a.m.-noon today at the Romulus Athletic Center, 35765 Northline Road.   drivemi Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12841 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12840/The-Times-Herald-Welcome-Center-lacks-funding.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12840 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12840&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12840/The-Times-Herald-Welcome-Center-lacks-funding.aspx The state will not be rolling out the welcome mat for bridge traffic in Port Huron any time soon. Michigan Department of Transportation officials informed the city and Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce that reconstruction of the international welcome center has been postponed until at least 2015 because of a lack of funding. "(The welcome center) has been included in all of the plans that we have looked at for the last five years. Then about a month ago we were in a meeting with MDOT officials about the schedule related to the I-94 project and in the middle of that meeting, there was an 'oh-by-the-way' comment that the funding for the welcome center wasn't there," said Bruce Brown, Port Huron city manager. "We were all astonished. We think it's a breech of agreement for sure." The former international welcome center was demolished in spring 2011 as part of the Interstate 94/Interstate 69 reconstruction project. A temporary welcome center in Capac has been operating since October. A new welcome center would be built on state-owned property off the expressway's westbound lanes in Port Huron Township. Janet Foran, spokeswoman for MDOT, said it is still the agency's intent to rebuild the welcome center, just not as quickly as previously discussed. "We need to balance our program with the available revenue for now," she said. "We are working on some solutions for this situation." The international welcome center, which provides maps and information about local dining, lodging and entertainment options to people crossing the Blue Water Bridge, is a key point for out-of-town visitors, Brown said. Vickie Ledsworth, president of the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, said she was dumbfounded by the news. "This is just another blow to the plaza project," she said. "Right now they have a temporary facility, which is basically just a trailer, in Capac, but not everybody goes that direction. You have people who head straight up M-25 for the Thumb tour, or head south on I-94. That is extremely inconvenient for people who are looking for maps and that sort of information." The international welcome center is a collaborative project between the state and federal government, Foran said, and all $8 million in federal funds are currently available. MDOT's match is not. According to a legislative analysis, MDOT deferred $1.6 million in funding for the new welcome center as a way to balance its budget. Ledsworth said the chamber has sent an advocacy letter to Gov. Rick Snyder, MDOT and local state representatives urging them to prioritize the project. "We are one of the busiest international crossings in the country," she said. "Not having a welcome center is an issue." She added she is in discussions with MDOT about possible grant funding that might put the welcome center project back on the schedule. "We're just in the beginning states of exploring if the welcome center would even qualify," she said. Brown said he's not so sure about seeking grant funding for the project. "I don't know that there needs to be a grant," he said. "The state just needs to do what they promised us for seven years they were going to do."   drivemi Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12840 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12839/Traverse-City-Record-Eagle-Forum-Regarding-Infrastructure-Funding.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12839 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12839&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12839/Traverse-City-Record-Eagle-Forum-Regarding-Infrastructure-Funding.aspx By Mike Nystrom Gov. Rick Snyder demonstrated his leadership style of relentless positive action by delivering an infrastructure message last October and then reinforcing it in his January State of the State address, which both called for increased transportation funding. Progress on providing that funding for Michigan is being paved with a bipartisan package of bills that is making its way through the Legislature. The bills will ultimately help Michigan's economy and benefit every Michigan driver. Infrastructure is a basic public service that needs to be provided for by our government. Because of inadequate funding, most road agencies in Michigan have been struggling to provide basic public service, such as filling potholes, repairing bridges, snow plowing and trimming grass. In addition, many have made significant changes to become leaner and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. In order to boost investment, we must consider adjustments to the traditional user fees such as fuel taxes and registration fees. These are the only two revenue sources collected by our state even as prices at the pump fluctuate drastically each week. Not a penny of the 6 percent sales tax that is paid on every gallon of gas is dedicated to Michigan's roads and bridges. While the infrastructure legislation moves through the Legislature, there has been much debate in the media regarding whether lawmakers need to "tread carefully" with any plans to raise the gas tax and registration fees. What we need to focus on even more are the benefits the legislation will provide to the public. The first benefit is jobs/economic growth in all major segments of our state affected by transportation, such as tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. Secondly, increased funding will provide for fewer crumbling roads and safer bridges. Thirdly, funding will ultimately result in fewer orange barrels around the same stretch of road every few years as the "band-aid" approach to road repairs is replaced by reconstruction that will last much longer. Finally, the reforms that are included in the package will help guarantee that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and efficiently. All of those benefits will be possible because of increased revenue to fill the transportation funding pot that has been steadily dwindling. In real inflation-adjusted dollars, the revenue that is collected today for our infrastructure is equal to that which was collected in 1974; and yet, the cost of construction materials, such as steel, cement, asphalt and diesel fuel, have escalated dramatically due to global demand. Meanwhile, our infrastructure has suffered. Currently, 32 percent of Michigan's roads are ranked in poor condition. It is estimated that by 2018 this number will jump to more than 65 percent. The time for finding a solution for Michigan's dramatic infrastructure needs is now. What we need is continued relentless positive action on the part of our elected leaders in Lansing, and we encourage them to be bold and long-term in their thinking. The proposed package of bills will benefit all residents of Michigan, the state that put the world on wheels. About the author: Mike Nystrom is executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, a statewide association representing the interests of the heavy construction industry; and co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team, a coalition of more than 80 companies, associations and labor unions working to obtain increased funding for Michigan roads and bridges. On the Web at: www.drivemi.org. About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by emailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo. drivemi Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12839 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12838/Lansing-State-Journal-Rebuilt-roads-vital-to-Michigans-future.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12838 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12838&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12838/Lansing-State-Journal-Rebuilt-roads-vital-to-Michigans-future.aspx By Mike Nystrom   Gov. Rick Snyder demonstrated his leadership style of relentless positive action by delivering an infrastructure message last October and then reinforcing it in his January State of the State address, which both called for increased transportation funding. Progress on providing that funding for Michigan is being paved with a bi-partisan package of bills that is making its way through the Legislature. The bills will ultimately help Michigan's economy and benefit every Michigan driver. Infrastructure is a basic public service that needs to be provided for by our government. Because of inadequate funding, most road agencies in Michigan have been struggling to provide basic public service, such as filling potholes, repairing bridges, snow plowing and trimming grass. In addition, many have made significant changes to become leaner and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. In order to boost investment, we must consider adjustments to the traditional user fees such as fuel taxes and registration fees. These are the only two revenue sources collected by our state even as prices at the pump fluctuate drastically each week. Not a penny of the 6 percent sales tax that is paid on every gallon of gas is dedicated to Michigan’s roads and bridges. While the infrastructure legislation moves through the Legislature, there has been much debate in the media regarding whether or not lawmakers need to “tread carefully” with any plans to raise the gas tax and registration fees. What we need to focus on even more are the benefits the legislation will provide to the public.   The first benefit is jobs/economic growth in all major segments of our state affected by transportation, such as tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. Secondly, increased funding will provide for fewer crumbling roads and safer bridges. Thirdly, funding will ultimately result in fewer orange barrels around the same stretch of road every few years as the “band-aid” approach to road repairs is replaced by reconstruction that will last much longer. Finally, the reforms that are included in the package will help guarantee that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and efficiently. All of those benefits will be possible because of increased revenue to fill the transportation funding pot that has been steadily dwindling. In real inflation-adjusted dollars, the revenue that is collected today for our infrastructure is equal to that which was collected in 1974; and yet, the cost of construction materials, such as steel, cement, asphalt, and diesel fuel, have escalated dramatically due to global demand. Meanwhile, our infrastructure has suffered. Currently, 32 percent of Michigan’s roads are ranked in poor condition. It is estimated that by 2018 this number will jump to more than 65 percent. The time for finding a solution for Michigan's dramatic infrastructure needs is now. What we need is continued relentless positive action on the part of our elected leaders in Lansing, and we encourage them to be bold and long-term in their thinking. The proposed package of bills will benefit all residents of Michigan, the state that put the world on wheels.   Mike Nystrom is executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), and co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT). drivemi Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:33:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12838 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12837/Do-You-Have-Questions-About-Transportation-Funding.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12837 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12837&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12837/Do-You-Have-Questions-About-Transportation-Funding.aspx With the recent introduction of 30 transportation funding bills between both the House and the Senate, it is expected that more questions will arise.  To help navigate through these questions, staff at the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA)  developed a two-page sheet of Frequently Asked Questions. Feel free to use this information in any way you can to spread the word about the need for increased transportation funding.  If you need more information, please contact Lance Binoniemi, MITA's vice president of government affairs, lancebinoniemi@mi-ita.com, or Nicole Cook, outreach coordinator, nicolecook@mi-ita.com.   drivemi Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12837 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12836/The-Detroit-News-To-fix-roads-gas-tax-fees-must-go-up.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12836 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12836&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12836/The-Detroit-News-To-fix-roads-gas-tax-fees-must-go-up.aspx Everyone agrees Michigan needs to pour money into repairing its roads. The question is: Are we willing to pay for those repairs through some hefty raises to the gas tax and registration fees? Lawmakers in Lansing are perusing House Bill 5298, which would raise the state gasoline and diesel fuel tax to 28.3 cents per gallon, up from 19 cents and 15 cents respectively. They're also looking at House Bill 5300, which would raise the average vehicle registration fee by 67 percent and truck fees by 25 percent. Both bills were introduced Jan. 26 and are lodged in the House Transportation Committee for review. "The raise in the state gas tax would generate an extra $541 million over current revenues and an additional $500 million in registration fees," said Rep. Rick Olson, R-Saline, who is the sponsor of HB 5298 and co-sponsor, with Rep. Judd Gilbert, R-Algonac, of HB 5300. "The 28.3 cents would be the base level. The tax would also be allowed to annually move up or down by one cent a gallon to a maximum cap of 40 cents a gallon." Vehicle fees are based on the list price of cars while commercial truck registration fees are based on weight. "For instance, under HB 533 my vehicle registration would rise to $180, up from the $108 I currently pay," Olson said. Sterling Heights resident Dennis Zitny hates tax increases, but sees the need in this case. "I think that ultimately a gas tax is very fair: if you drive more and use the roads more, you end up paying more," Zitny said. "I hate taxes, but I also hate bad roads. There's no magic pot of money that's going to suddenly appear. You can either have good roads or lower gas taxes. You can't have both." West Bloomfield Township resident Carol Kliman is against both increases. "The increases are too much," Kliman said. "If they capped the gas tax at 23 cents, that would be fine, but you just can't make these big jumps. It's the same with registration fees. "To go from $108 to $180 is too much," she said. "People would be more accepting if it was to increase from $108 to $120." Olson feels there's cautious support for the bills. "My colleagues are pretty quiet on the floor," Olson said. "Everyone recognizes we need to do something, but most of them wish it wasn't up them to do it. But we do have a solid group of bipartisan sponsors on these bills. "The sooner we get it done, the better the state will be. If we don't spend this money now, we're going to have to spend a lot more on the roads just a few years down the pike." drivemi Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12836 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12835/Lansing-State-Journal-Michigan-must-raise-money-for-roads-State-must-stop-underfunding-repairs.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12835 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12835&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12835/Lansing-State-Journal-Michigan-must-raise-money-for-roads-State-must-stop-underfunding-repairs.aspx The Michigan Legislature has a multi-bill package that would help raise $1 billion to address the state’s crumbling roads. The bills should become one of its top priorities. Put simply, the state cannot compete for jobs by letting its infrastructure resemble that of a third-world country. The $1 billion is a conservative amount; Gov. Rick Snyder has called for $1.4 billion to repair the state’s infrastructure. This is where doing the right thing and doing the expedient thing will separate those who understand their job as lawmakers and those who are more concerned with their own political fortunes. As introduced, the package would cost motorists about 9 cents more for a gallon of gas, as the current gas tax of 19 cents per gallon switches to a wholesale tax that would translate to about 28 cents per gallon. Another part of the plan would increase annual vehicle registration fees, with more valuable vehicles seeing higher fees. The increase would average about $60 per vehicle. No one is going to be excited about an increase in the gas tax. But there is no viable alternative. The state has not increased its gas tax in some 15 years. And in that time, the money collected from the tax has become a smaller share of the state’s road budget. That’s not a sustainable formula for keeping the state’s roads in acceptable condition. Likewise, higher registration fees will pain drivers as well. But the primary users of roads: Those who register vehicles and buy gasoline, should be the people paying for their upkeep. The alternative is for lawmakers to roll up their sleeves and find a billion dollars or more elsewhere in the state budget. Odds of that are about as good as winning the next PowerBall drawing. Of course, Michigan could just live with crumbling roads. But that’s hardly fitting with the image of the state that put the nation and the rest of the world on wheels, is it? No, we need and rely on our roads. Keeping them in good condition is a quality of life issue and an economic development issue. There is room for discussing various ways of raising the money, but the money must be raised. But 2012 is an election year; some lawmakers will lack courage. Those who care about Michigan’s future must insist their lawmakers support a road proposal with at least $1 billion of funding. There is no acceptable alternative. drivemi Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12835 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12834/Detroit-Free-Press-At-long-last-Michigan-lawmakers-confront-crumbling-roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12834 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12834&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12834/Detroit-Free-Press-At-long-last-Michigan-lawmakers-confront-crumbling-roads.aspx For more than a decade, governors and legislators from both parties have looked the other way as Michigan's highways and roads deteriorated to dangerous extremes. On state roads alone, Michigan falls more than $300 million short of what's needed to maintain them. A nonpartisan report released in 2008 concluded that Michigan would have to double its transportation funding to keep its roads and transit systems in good shape. Give Gov. Rick Snyder some credit, then, for at least acknowledging the problem and moving the transportation agenda forward. Now, with the number of Michigan roads in substandard condition expected to double by 2015, he and forward-thinking lawmakers in both parties need to put the pedal to the metal, supporting bills that would collect an extra $1.4 billion annually to fix crumbling roads and bridges. A bipartisan package of nearly 20 bills scheduled to be introduced in the House today calls for reforms and efficiencies while boosting the price of gasoline by about 9 cents a gallon and increasing the average motor vehicle registration fee by about $60 a year. If adopted, the legislation would raise an extra $541 million while eliminating the 19-cent-per-gallon retail tax on gasoline and the 15-cent-a-gallon retail tax on diesel -- achieving an overdue parity -- and applying to both fuels a new wholesale tax that would generate additional revenue as the price of fuel increases. The registration fee hike would add another $500-600 million to the road maintenance pot. Another of the bills slated for introduction today would create a regional transit authority for southeast Michigan -- a plan that legislators will probably move first, according to state Rep. Rick Olson, R-Saline, a fiscal conservative who sponsored the gas tax bill. "No one is disputing that we need $1.4 billion," Olson points out. "We'll either spend $1.4 billion now, or we'll spend a ton more later." Replacing the per-gallon tax on gas and diesel with a percentage tax on the wholesale price of fuel may not be much more politically palatable than raising the per-gallon tax, but it provides a more reliable source of funding. Under the current tax scheme, road revenues shrink when soaring fuel prices depress demand. "We shouldn't see stagnating revenue in the future,'' said Mike Nystrom of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. "We should see some inflation increases over time. That's the beauty of these adjustments." In the long run, any gas tax will yield diminishing revenues as drivers trade their current vehicles for increasingly fuel-efficient ones. So Michigan and other states eventually will need to find better ways to pay for roads, bridges and public transit. But getting a new revenue stream in place -- a mileage-based odometer tax is one alternative under study -- would take five to seven years. And Michigan's transportation system desperately needs new revenue now. Deteriorating roads will become more and more costly to fix, and preserving good roads is as important as fixing bad ones. Spending $1 to keep a road in good shape saves and estimated $7 in reconstruction costs later. More money for Michigan's transportation system will also boost Michigan's economy, creating thousands of good-paying jobs. Michigan last raised its gas tax -- by 4 cents, to 19 cents a gallon -- in 1997. Meantime, construction material costs have soared. Some county road commissions already leave snow unplowed and grass uncut. Battered roads cost drivers, on average, an added $400 to $500 a year. The plan now before the Legislature offers the best hope for restoring and rebuilding one of Michigan's greatest assets: its transportation system. drivemi Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12834 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12833/LAWMAKERS-PROPOSE-TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING-SOLUTIONS-Bills-will-provide-a-fix-for-crumbling-infrastructure.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12833 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12833&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12833/LAWMAKERS-PROPOSE-TRANSPORTATION-FUNDING-SOLUTIONS-Bills-will-provide-a-fix-for-crumbling-infrastructure.aspx LANSING – A bipartisan package of bills aimed at providing increased funding for Michigan's crumbling roads and dangerous bridges was introduced today in the Michigan Legislature. The 13-bill package will raise nearly $1.4 billion annually to relieve an annual funding shortfall that will deepen if a solution is not found, according to Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), and co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT). "This proposal is an excellent response by the Legislature to what Governor Rick Snyder suggested in his October 2011 Infrastructure Message," Nystrom said. "It not only reforms how taxpayer dollars are spent, but it also provides the necessary revenue to properly maintain our infrastructure." Bills were introduced in both the House and Senate; and, if passed, will raise revenue through registration fee adjustments and a tax on fuel at the wholesale level. Proposed reforms include requiring funding recipients to demonstrate "best practices" as a condition of receiving future funds, more transparent reporting of benchmarks and progress, as well as expanded compliance with asset management plans. "The taxpayers of Michigan deserve roads and bridges that are not only safe to drive on, but that also are the foundation for turning Michigan's economy around," Nystrom said. "At current funding levels, we will continue to see a sharp and predictable decline in the quality of our infrastructure as the cost of improvements escalates. We applaud the Governor's leadership and encourage the Legislature to act now. Michigan's infrastructure is at a tipping point, and finding a solution cannot be ignored any longer." MITA is a statewide association representing the interests of the heavy construction industry. MTT is a coalition of over 80 companies, associations and labor unions with a common goal of obtaining increased funding for Michigan's roads and bridges.     drivemi Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12833 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12832/Detroit-Free-Press-No-new-taxes-mantra-hurts-roads-transportation-group-says.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12832 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12832&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12832/Detroit-Free-Press-No-new-taxes-mantra-hurts-roads-transportation-group-says.aspx Politicians abdicate their responsibility when they pledge they will never vote to increase taxes, the lobbyist for a group pushing for a $1.4-billion annual boost in road funding said Friday. Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, said such pledges and no-new-taxes mind-sets are among the biggest obstacles in a push to approve a package of bills to provide more money to fix and maintain Michigan roads and bridges. Nystrom backs a plan that would raise an extra $500 million to $600 million by hiking motor vehicle registration fees by about $60 on average; raise about $500 million by taxing wholesale gasoline sales, divert about $100 million in Michigan sales tax revenue to roads and collect another $200 million to $250 million by removing various “loopholes” in vehicle registration fee collections. Bills with bipartisan support containing measures similar to those are expected to be introduced soon at the Capitol in Lansing, Nystrom said during a Friday taping of “Off the Record” hosted byTim Skubick on public TV’s WKAR. Gov. Rick Snyder voiced support for the $1.4-billion boost to road funding in his State of the State address Wednesday but has not said publicly how he thinks the money should be raised. Snyder in October floated the idea of hiking vehicle registration fees about $120 on average. That proposal has garnered little support. Nystrom said he believes there is growing recognition in Michigan that more road money is needed just to protect the state’s investment because it will cost far more money to fix the roads and bridges if they are allowed to crumble further. However, “people are signing these no new tax pledges,” he said. “It makes it very difficult.” In Michigan, four of 38 state senators and 18 of 110 House members have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge promoted by Americans for Tax Reform and its president Grover Norquist, according to the group’s Web site. Many are GOP lawmakers connected with the conservative tea party movement in Michigan. Nystrom said his association conducted focus groups with tea party members who said they don’t necessarily oppose tax increases, they just don’t want tax money wasted. Leon Drolet, chairman of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance, said the pledges are only an obstacle to those who constantly demand more taxpayer money to spend. “It’s a great asset to taxpayers,” he said. Drolet said far too much of Michigan’s road money is wasted today on projects such as the Detroit People Mover, public transit buses that run empty and paying unnecessarily high project costs through prevailing wage laws. “We’re nowhere close to the point where we should be asking folks to pay more,” Drolet said. Nystrom said his group has paid for some billboards and is using social media but doesn’t have the money for a big advertising campaign. “Concrete falling off of bridges is a selling point for us, when it falls off and breaks windshields,” he said. drivemi Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:19:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12832 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12831/Lansing-State-Journal-Price-of-gas-vehicle-registration-fees-would-go-up-under-new-legislation.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12831 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12831&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12831/Lansing-State-Journal-Price-of-gas-vehicle-registration-fees-would-go-up-under-new-legislation.aspx LANSING -- Legislation to be introduced at the state Capitol next week would boost the price of gasoline by about 9 cents a gallon and increase the average motor vehicle registration fee by about $60 a year, officials said Friday. A bipartisan package of 13 bills -- designed to collect an extra $1.4 billion annually to fix crumbling roads and bridges -- could be introduced in the House and Senate as early as Tuesday, said Rep. Rick Olson, R-Saline, who will sponsor the gas tax bill.

The bills have support from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce -- one of the state's most powerful lobby groups -- but face a tough fight in an election year for state House members. "I think we can come up with extra road money without raising taxes," said Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, in a sign of the obstacles the measures face.

Gov. Rick Snyder told Free Press editors and reporters Friday that he favors additional road money but wouldn't take a position yet on the sources or timing of the revenue because "if we took a position too early, it would cause a lot of polarization."

"We need better roads and bridges," Snyder said. "I never frame an issue that we need to be spending more money." What they would do The bills would: • Raise an extra $541 million by eliminating the 19-cent-per-gallon retail tax on gasoline and the 15-cent-a-gallon retail tax on diesel and applying a new wholesale tax on both types of fuel. Olson did not know the percentage rate, which would generate additional revenues as the price of fuel increases. But based on current prices, it would result in a tax of 28.3 cents per gallon for regular gas, or 9.3 cents more than consumers now pay. • Raise an extra $500 million to $600 million by hiking motor vehicle registration fees about $60 on average, with owners of cheaper vehicles paying a smaller increase and owners of pricier vehicles paying a higher one .

• Divert about $100 million to roads from the 6% sales tax on gas. Today, about two-thirds of the sales tax from gasoline goes to schools, and the rest goes to the general fund.

 • Collect another $200 million-$250 million by removing loopholes in vehicle registration fee collections. For example: Registration fee deductions that new car purchasers receive as their vehicles age would be eliminated.

 Olson, who coauthored a bipartisan report on Michigan's road needs, said the state needs additional money immediately, not in phases. Otherwise, roads and bridges will continue to deteriorate and cost more to repair later, he said. "This is the most fiscally conservative way to do it." Slow change? But a major supporter of the bills said Friday that the increases can't come all at once. "No one is seriously proposing that that happen next week or next month," said Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rich Studley. "I think that will likely be phased in. "

Still, "revenue neutral doesn't cut it," Studley said.

There's no point in spending tens of millions of dollars annually on a Pure Michigan campaign to attract visitors who land at excellent airports in Detroit and Grand Rapids, only to "have a teeth-rattling experience on second-class roads," Studley said. Leon Drolet, chairman of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance, said far too much road money is wasted on projects such as the Detroit People Mover, public transit buses that run empty and unnecessarily high project costs through prevailing wage laws.

 "We're nowhere close to the point where we should be asking folks to pay more," Drolet said.

 Opsommer, the chairman of the House Transportation committee, said the Legislature will find up to $300 million more for roads without raising taxes.

House Speaker Jase Bolger wants to first look for efficiencies and explore spending more of the existing sales tax money from gasoline on roads, said Bolger spokesman Ari Adler.

 "Then next year, when we have more time, we can come up with the type of money that ... the governor and the chamber are talking about," Opsommer said, Opsommer said he's reluctant to increase the gas tax because the increase in hybrid vehicles coupled with higher fuel efficiency standards is already cutting into gas tax revenues.

 "We've got to find another source," he said. "But if we can get to $300 million, then we'll ask the state, counties and locals to be patient." Tax promises Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, said pledges by politicians to never hike taxes -- which he described as abdications of responsibility -- are obstacles in a push to approve the bill package. In Michigan, four of 38 state senators and 18 of 110 House members have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge promoted by Americans for Tax Reform and its president, Grover Norquist, according to the group's website. Among the signers is Olson. He said he won't violate the pledge by introducing the gas tax bill because the pledge allows an exception for user fees.

   drivemi Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12831 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12830/Lansing-State-Journal-Investing-in-roads-now-will-pay-off-in-future.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12830 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12830&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12830/Lansing-State-Journal-Investing-in-roads-now-will-pay-off-in-future.aspx Gov. Rick Snyder says it makes financial sense to start paying more to fix roads now rather than wait and face an even bigger annual repair bill in the future. The Republican governor — a certified public accountant by training — is pushing lawmakers to raise an additional $1.4 billion a year for roads and bridges, and he wants to start the process sooner rather than later. "When you're talking transportation infrastructure, you should have a 10- or 20-year mindset," Snyder told The Associated Press the day after his recent State of the State address. "This is the accountant coming out in me again. By investing $1.4 billion a year over 20 years on our roads, it saves us money." Organizations supporting more transportation funding say the gap between what's spent to maintain roads and the amount of money needed to properly do the job grows every year. Most politicians in Lansing agree that the state needs to do more to repair roads and bridges. The problem arises when talk turns to asking drivers to pay more for improvements. A bipartisan set of bills that will rekindle that discussion is expected to be introduced in the Legislature this month. Higher fees possible The initial proposal could include raising annual vehicle registration fees by an average of roughly $60 a year, according to the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. Higher vehicle registration fees would raise more money and ensure that electric and hybrid vehicle owners, who buy little or no fuel, are paying more toward road upkeep. The upcoming proposal also might replace the state's 19-cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline and the 15-cents-per-gallon tax on diesel fuel with a tax on the wholesale price of fuel, potentially raising more money than the current system. It's hard to tell what the final proposal might look like as backers try to gain support in a Republican-led Legislature hesitant to approve tax or fee increases. But supporters are banking on bipartisan support. They hope the need to fix potholes and make other transportation system improvements will win out in the end. "I don't think anything, when you're talking about more revenue, is easy," said Rep. Rick Olson, a Republican from Saline who last year helped lead a bipartisan study that called for more investment in roads. "But I do think it's possible. It's a generally recognized need. No one's arguing whether there's a need or not." There are different measures and projections of Michigan road quality, but none of them look good over the next five to 10 years at current funding levels. The Michigan Department of Transportation says nearly 89 percent of the pavement on its "trunkline" road or interstate and highway system was in good or fair condition in 2011. That would drop to about 44 percent by 2020 without increased investment. A broader review covering Michigan roads eligible for federal aid reported 65 percent of pavement in good or fair condition in 2010, meaning one of every three miles was rated in poor condition. The Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council report projects that 50 percent will be in good or fair shape in 2015. "Everybody knows that our roads here in Michigan are just in terrible shape," Mike Nystrom of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association said during Friday's taping of public television's "Off the Record" program. "Our roads are crumbling, the bridges are dangerous." Other ideas Some key business groups, including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, also support more investment in roads. Still, there will be resistance to higher fees and taxes, or at least resistance to raising motorists' costs without demanding efficiencies. Some lawmakers are focused on a plan to allow counties to get rid of local road commissions and absorb their duties to cut administration costs. Other ideas include moving some of the 6 percent sales tax now collected on fuel to road funding rather than going to the state's general fund. The portion of the sales tax going to public schools and local governments would not be affected. "We need to look at the current accountability and efficiency of the system that we have, to make sure that every dollar we are bringing in is used in the best way possible," said Ari Adler, a spokesman for Republican House Speaker Jase Bolger.   drivemi Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12830 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12829/WLNS-TV-Snyder-to-Call-for-60-Percent-Hike-in-Vehicle-Reg-Fees.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12829 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12829&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12829/WLNS-TV-Snyder-to-Call-for-60-Percent-Hike-in-Vehicle-Reg-Fees.aspx   drivemi Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:46:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12829 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12828/WILX-TV-State-House-to-Introduce-New-Gas-Tax-Proposals.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12828 http://www.drivemi.org/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12828&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.org/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12828/WILX-TV-State-House-to-Introduce-New-Gas-Tax-Proposals.aspx LANSING -- It's an all-too familiar sight in Michigan. Crumbling bridges and roads. "We have 120,000 miles of roads in Michigan; 35 percent of them are currently rated in poor condition," said Mike Nystrom, head of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. "We have over 1,000 bridges rated as structurally deficient." Nystrom adds there's finally a consensus among lawmakers that more money is needed. That has the attention of Gov. Snyder, who on Wednesday in his State of the State address called for $1.4 billion in new infrastructure funding. Next week, the state House will introduce a 13-bill package to move in that direction. Among other things, the bills would: -Raise registration fees by about $50, though the fee could be higher and lower based on the value of your vehicle. That's intended to allay concerns that Snyder's original proposal of raising everyone's fee by $120 would constitute a regressive tax. -Eliminate the current 19 cents per gallon gas tax and implement a tax on the wholesale price of gas, instead. That would protect transportation funds from fluctuations in drivers' habits and the retail price of gas. "If we do nothing, in five years, we will be a in a situation in which over 65 percent of our roads are rated in poor condition," Nystrom said, noting the above changes would raise about $1.1 billion in new revenue for the state's transportation fund. Closing loopholes and redirecting some of the state's sales tax revenue to that fund would raise an additional $300 million. Local road commissioners are on board with the plan. "We have seen about a 15 percent decrease in our state gas tax and vehicle registration fee revenue, while costs for most of our critical materials and fuel have doubled," said Bill Conklin, head of the Ingham County Road Commission. And with roads deteriorating and more snow on the way Friday and Saturday, cities and counties are hoping for every extra dollar they can get.   drivemi Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:38:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12828