Despite challenging economic times, Michigan voters stepped up on Aug. 3 to demonstrate their financial support for local road improvements and public transportation systems

According to a post-election analysis by the Center for Michigan, voters approved 85 percent of the 136 road repair millage requests from local governments across Michigan. That support was only exceeded by voter support for fire services. Voters even approved 60 percent of the millage requests seeking new money for road improvements.

The Michigan Legislature, which continues to keep the state’s surface transportation network on a starvation diet, could learn a lesson from voters who showed they get it – that money spent on roads is an important economic development tool.

“We are hopeful that in the lame-duck session after the Nov. 2 election, lawmakers will finally come to their senses and recognize that the time is now to find a sustainable revenue stream to maintain our system of roads and bridges,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association.

“More than ever, Michigan needs to attract new businesses and the jobs they bring, but deteriorating roads hardly give business much of an incentive to say yes to Michigan.”

Voters also generously supported public transit at the polls. Exhibit One: The overwhelming support of the SMART bus transportation property tax millage in Metro Detroit. Support ranged from 78 percent of the voters in Oakland County to 72 percent support in Macomb County.