A Review of Recent Top Transportation Stories from Around Michigan

LAWMAKERS: TAX INCREASE NEEDED AT THE PUMP
Wood TV-8 Grand Rapids
04-04-07

Some Michigan lawmakers think a gasoline tax increase is needed to improve the state's roads.

A campaign by Drivemi.org encourages an increase in transportation spending, with a backing from AAA, construction companies, labor groups and chambers of commerce.

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6327696&nav=menu44_2

MICHIGAN ROADS, BRIDGES CAN’T WAIT MUCH LONGER
Kalamazoo Gazette
04-04-07

Editorial. “If the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and labor unions can get behind a proposed state gasoline tax increase, can Republicans and Democrats agree, too? Perhaps so.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/columns-3/1175700333162280.xml&coll=7

BILLS CALL FOR HIGHER GAS TAX
Battle Creek Enquirer
David Eggert
04-04-07

Bipartisan legislation outlined Tuesday would raise the state's gasoline tax by 9 cents per gallon over three years, with backers saying it's time Michigan improves its deteriorating roads. The bills also would boost the diesel tax by 13 cents a gallon and increase vehicle registration fees by 50 percent.

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070404/NEWS01/704040322/1002/NEWS01

GAS TAX: MICHIGAN NEEDS TO TAKE STEPS NOW TO PROTECT THE QUALITY OF ITS ROADS
Lansing State Journal
04-01-07

Editorial. Rare are the occasions when major business interests such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce come together with union interests to support, of all things, a tax increase.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704010707

GAS TAX INCREASE ESSENTIAL FOR FIXES
Detroit Free Press
04-03-07

Editorial. “Michigan's transportation system is running out of fuel -- and there's just one way to fill the tank.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070403/OPINION01/704030330/1068/OPINION

DANGER IN UNDERFUNDING
Detroit Free Press
Mike Nystrom
04-01-07

Letter to the editor. Mike Nystrom, Vice President of Government and Public Relations, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070401/OPINION04/704010598/1072

PROPOSED INCREASE IN GAS TAX DESERVES SOME CONSIDERATION
Oakland Press
04-03-07

Editorial. “Michigan roads are deteriorating - rapidly. It doesn't take a highway engineer to see that. In fact, drive a few miles anywhere in the state or just in the metro area, and you'll see - and feel - the problem. Unfortunately, it appears the situation won't improve without some drastic action: a tax increase.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/040307/opi_2007040355.shtml

ASPHALT COSTS THREATEN ROAD REPAIRS
Battle Creek Enquirer
Andy Rathbun
03-29-07

Overall construction costs are up by about 15 percent compared to recent years, with a big jump in liquid asphalt rates, Battle Creek City Engineer Chris Dopp said. The petroleum-derived mixer has skyrocketed in price by 120 percent during the past decade, national statistics show. http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/NEWS01/703290324/1002/NEWS01

WRETCHED RUTS RETURN
Detroit Free Press
Matt Helms and Mike Wendland
03-28-07

Because of the relatively mild winter, 2007's pothole count may be on the lower side, county road commissions said. MDOT said it spends about $8 million each year to patch potholes on the roughly 10,000 miles of expressways and major roads it controls statewide.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/NEWS10/703280396