Report details condition, impact, use and future needs of Michigan’s Interstate Highway System

WHO: Frank R. Moretti, Director of Policy and Research, TRIP
Kirk Steudle, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation

WHAT: News Conference to release the findings of TRIP’s report on Michigan’s interstate highway system.

WHEN: 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2006

WHERE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot
600 S. Walnut Street
Lansing, MI
Note: News conference will be held inside if weather does not permit.

WHY: Fifty years ago President Eisenhower signed into law the Federal-Aid Highway Act calling for the construction of our nation’s Interstate to improve safety, reduce travel times, and improve the nation’s economic productivity. Since 1956, over 1,200 miles of the nation’s Interstate were built across Michigan with four major Interstates and several Interstate business loops.

Washington, DC-based nonprofit transportation research group, TRIP, will release “The Interstate Highway System in Michigan: Saving Lives, Time and Money.” The report analyzes the condition, impact, use and future needs of Michigan’s Interstate Highway System. The report reveals the economic and safety benefits that Interstate has for Michigan’s residents and the future demands that will need to be addressed for the 21st century.

Founded in 1971, TRIP is a nonprofit organization that promotes transportation policies that relieve traffic congestion, improve air quality, make highway travel safer, and enhance economic productivity.

Note: TRIP released a report earlier this year that graded the condition of Michigan’s roads and bridges.

CONTACT: Frank Moretti, TRIP
(202) 262-0714

Mike Nystrom, Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association
(517) 347-8336 Cell: (517) 896-1493