On May 5, Let's Fix the Roads! - Business Leaders for Michigan

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

On May 5: Let’s Fix the Roads!

Tomorrow is Election Day, and we all have an opportunity to start fixing Michigan’s crumbling road system.

Just two weeks ago, a national transportation research group released its report on our roads. No surprise, it detailed the rapidly deteriorating condition of Michigan’s roads and the need for significantly more funding in order to repair them.

According to the report, 38% of Michigan’s major roads are in poor condition (up from 23% in 2006), 45% are in fair condition, and only 17% are in good condition. Is that what we want for our families and businesses?

Proposal 1 would raise $1.2 billion a year for Michigan’s roads by making sure that what we pay at the pump goes to our transportation needs. We’ll finally see our crumbling pavement restored and bridges repaired. If Proposal 1 fails, we’ll continue to shortchange our state transportation system by relying on unsustainable one-time fixes and risking our safety and future economic competitiveness.

Consider this: Not only do Michigan drivers pay on average $539 each year to fix their rims, tires and struts, but we also pay every time a prospective new job provider decides against locating here because of our poor roads. If Michigan is going to remain prosperous, we have to make it easier for businesses to get their products and services to market.

We need to get serious about making some guarantees to the people of our state. With Proposal 1:

Every penny paid at the pump in state gas taxes is constitutionally guaranteed to fund transportation.
Road builders would have to provide warranties on the roads they build so taxpayers are not forced to pay for improper repairs.
Every penny in the School Aid Fund is constitutionally guaranteed for K¬-12 schools and community colleges.

On May 5, Let’s Fix the Roads!