Michigan’s urban roadways are crumbling. It’s not a surprise that that they rank 45th in the nation. Even worse, one-third of the state’s bridges are deficient.
These conditions are unacceptable for MI drivers and for businesses working to deliver products and goods to the world market.
As MI lawmakers wrap up their work in December, it is important that they find a long-term funding solution for state roads and bridges. MI only spends about half the Great Lakes average on its roads, and it is reflected in the condition of them. Our failure to invest adequately in our transportation infrastructure today will ultimately result in fewer jobs, lower income and reduced GDP.
If MI truly wants to compete, we need to invest in a system of safe and sound roads and bridges for our residents and businesses. While we know it’s not easy to raise taxes in the short term, we need to remain focused on our long-term economic objectives and do what is right keep drivers and businesses on the move.
This week, the Michigan House of Representatives will be discussing how to fund our roads and bridges. Click here to find your legislator and let them know that MI needs a long-term transportation solution, that is:
- Large enough to solve the problem. It’s not enough to just fix what we have. We need a solution that allows us to expand capacity as well.
- Sustainable. We cannot continue to use General Fund dollars to support roads when those dollars need to be prioritized for our other urgent needs – training and educating our workforce.
- Efficient and effective. Any new revenues must go to our transportation infrastructure and come with guarantees that taxpayer dollars will be spent efficiently and effectively.
Your voice matters! Let our legislators know that you support a long-term funding solution for roads and bridges.