Roads – we drive on them, ride on them and pay to maintain them. We’ve tried numerous plans over the past several years to get them in better shape, and still come up short. In the meantime, the poor condition of our highways and local roads has continued to decline.
Everyone agrees we need a fix, and soon. There isn’t yet an agreement as to how enough funding will be allocated. There also isn’t an agreement on the amount of funding actually needed to get our infrastructure in decent condition. Governor Whitmer is expected to unveil a proposal during the first week of March at her budget proposal presentation.
The consequences of not acting are immeasurable. Not only is it frustrating to drive on rough roads, it is hazardous to our health and safety. It causes insurance costs to rise. It discourages investment and tourism. We have made tremendous strides in the growth of our state, but this is a major challenge that remains that affects our long-term growth prospects and our well-being as a population.
During the coming weeks, we will work to build momentum on a consensus. We’re working on a report to show where Michigan stands, and we’ll break it down into simple pieces for you when it’s ready, with the plausibility of each solution and what’s working elsewhere.
We’re also comparing data sources to try to arrive at one funding number. Having a target makes a goal easier to hit, and numbers are critical here. Stay tuned for more analysis, and we will look forward to hearing your thoughts on the various solutions.
Doug Rothwell,
President & CEO
Business Leaders for Michigan