http://www.drivemi.com RSS feeds for Drive MI 60 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12622/Lansing-State-Journal-Editorial-Road-impasse-indicts-Legislatures-skill.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12622 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12622&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12622/Lansing-State-Journal-Editorial-Road-impasse-indicts-Legislatures-skill.aspx   The Michigan Legislature is taking its talent for farce to "Monty Python" levels. It remains a possibility that the Legislature will fail to come up with a reasonable method to raise about $85 million for road work, thereby unlocking $475 million in additional federal aid.   Do lawmakers take hovercraft to the Capitol?  That's the only way they can possibly not realize that Michigan needs lots of money for its transportation grid. Oh, and the state could benefit from some road construction jobs, too.   This problem has lingered for months - time lawmakers preferred to spend campaigning rather than working at the Capitol.   Before taking most of the summer off, the House and Senate each enacted their own plan for the $85 million. The Democratic House said it would use general fund money, regardless of the fact that the general fund is in deficit. Republican critics, such as Rep. Paul Opsommer of DeWitt, have feasted on that point.   The Republican Senate's plan is more specific, if no more appealing. The Senate voted to raid existing highway programs. Nearly $50 million would be stripped from maintenance and another $26 million would be pulled from a fund designed to help build roads tied to economic development projects.   Back in May, a huge business-labor coalition advocating for a better transportation policy rightly labeled the Senate's plan a "rob Peter to pay Paul" affair. They argued that one of the cuts actually could hamper efforts to, you guessed it, gain other federal matching dollars.   The Drive MI campaign has for years been trying to explain to the Legislature that Michigan's system of road funding is inadequate. Fuel tax revenue is falling, which makes it impossible for the state to maximize federal matching dollars. With economic conditions uncertain and fuel economy figures rising, fuel tax revenue won't rebound. The coalition, therefore, argues for new funding, such as with an increase in the fuel-tax rate.   With the deadline to approve a 2011 state budget just a month away, the Senate strategy seems to be to argue that the late hour means only its plan remains viable. Left unsaid, of course, is why legislators chose not to work on a compromise in, say, June.   Also left unsaid: What does Michigan do next year when it finds itself short of the dollars needed to acquire all available federal help?   Not even this Legislature is inept enough to get to Oct. 1 without the money. Lawmakers will throw something together and congratulate themselves as they return to the campaign trail.   Voters shouldn't let them off that easy.     drivemi Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12622 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12620/Report-The-Dangers-and-Health-Costs-of-Deficient-Roadways.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12620 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12620&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12620/Report-The-Dangers-and-Health-Costs-of-Deficient-Roadways.aspx   While considerable research has been conducted over the past 50 years quantifying the significant roles motor vehicle design, drunk and drugged driving, speeding and non-use of seatbelts play as factors in the number, severity and economic costs of motor vehicle crashes in the United States, a national study examines the role and consequences of another major factor in these tragic incidences – the physical condition of U.S. roadways.   The study finds that the cost and severity of crashes where roadway conditions are a factor "greatly exceeds the cost and severity of crashes where alcohol or speeding was involved, or the cost of non-use of seatbelts."   drivemi Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12620 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12618/Transportation-Report-Says-Legislative-Inaction-Cost-Michigan-Taxpayers-11-Billion-in-Two-Years.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12618 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12618&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12618/Transportation-Report-Says-Legislative-Inaction-Cost-Michigan-Taxpayers-11-Billion-in-Two-Years.aspx   LANSING – The deterioration of approximately 8,500 miles of roads in Michigan cost taxpayers an additional $1.1 billion in just two years, according to a recent report released by the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT).   The report which was distributed to lawmakers and legislative candidates highlighted the condition of Michigan’s federal-aid road system, the state’s most-travelled roads.  The MTT used data from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) to break down the condition of roads, and the cost to taxpayers as a result of legislative inaction, for each legislative district across the state.   “This is the first time road condition data has been broken down to show the cost of legislative inaction by legislative district,” County Road Association of Michigan Director John Niemela said.  “Legislators must understand that ignoring the poor condition of Michigan roads will not make the problem go away.  Road conditions negatively impact our economy, quality of life, and have a direct impact on our ability to create and retain jobs.”   TAMC collects data on the condition of Michigan’s federal-aid road system. Road agencies use the data to prioritize road projects to best utilize limited funds.  Road agencies attempt to keep roads from falling to poor condition, where they are at least twice as expensive to repair.  Limited funding, however, prevents them from doing all of the necessary preventative maintenance.   In 2008, the TAMC warned legislators that continued deterioration and underfunding had allowed the cost of repairing Michigan’s federal-aid eligible roads to double from 2004 to 2008, a $3.5 billion loss in road assets and a sign that Michigan roads are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired or replaced.   “While planned construction projects are delayed, lawmakers still have not addressed the state’s inability to match federal transportation aid,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) and co-chair of MTT.  “This report should be a wake-up call to legislators as they continue to fail Michigan citizens by ignoring Michigan’s transportation funding crisis.”   In 2008, the Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2), an assembly approved by the legislature and the governor, recommended that Michigan at least double its current investment in transportation.     “We are at the tipping point, where we can’t afford to bring our road and bridge network back to good condition – lawmakers must consider what kind of future they want for their district,” Niemela said.   The reports shared with legislators are available on-line at http://www.micountyroads.org/rdcond.htm.   Michigan residents can voice their concerns about road funding by calling a toll-free number – 888-719-3087.  Callers simply enter their five-digit ZIP code to be connected, at no cost to them, with their legislator.   The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s transportation infrastructure.  The DriveMI campaign is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan.  Please visit www.drivemi.org or www.facebook.com/fixmichiganroads <http://www.facebook.com/fixmichiganroads> for more information on transportation funding.  Citizens can also follow MTT on twitter @drivemi or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads <http://www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads> .     drivemi Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12618 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12617/Transportation-Report-Says-Legislative-Inaction-Cost-Michigan-Taxpayers-11-Billion-in-Two-Years.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12617 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12617&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12617/Transportation-Report-Says-Legislative-Inaction-Cost-Michigan-Taxpayers-11-Billion-in-Two-Years.aspx LANSING – The deterioration of approximately 8,500 miles of roads in Michigan cost taxpayers an additional $1.1 billion in just two years, according to a recent report released by the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT).   The report which was distributed to lawmakers and legislative candidates highlighted the condition of Michigan’s federal-aid road system, the state’s most-travelled roads.  The MTT used data from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) to break down the condition of roads, and the cost to taxpayers as a result of legislative inaction, for each legislative district across the state.   “This is the first time road condition data has been broken down to show the cost of legislative inaction by legislative district,” County Road Association of Michigan Director John Niemela said.  “Legislators must understand that ignoring the poor condition of Michigan roads will not make the problem go away.  Road conditions negatively impact our economy, quality of life, and have a direct impact on our ability to create and retain jobs.”   TAMC collects data on the condition of Michigan’s federal-aid road system. Road agencies use the data to prioritize road projects to best utilize limited funds.  Road agencies attempt to keep roads from falling to poor condition, where they are at least twice as expensive to repair.  Limited funding, however, prevents them from doing all of the necessary preventative maintenance.   In 2008, the TAMC warned legislators that continued deterioration and underfunding had allowed the cost of repairing Michigan’s federal-aid eligible roads to double from 2004 to 2008, a $3.5 billion loss in road assets and a sign that Michigan roads are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired or replaced.   “While planned construction projects are delayed, lawmakers still have not addressed the state’s inability to match federal transportation aid,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) and co-chair of MTT.  “This report should be a wake-up call to legislators as they continue to fail Michigan citizens by ignoring Michigan’s transportation funding crisis.”   In 2008, the Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2), an assembly approved by the legislature and the governor, recommended that Michigan at least double its current investment in transportation.     “We are at the tipping point, where we can’t afford to bring our road and bridge network back to good condition – lawmakers must consider what kind of future they want for their district,” Niemela said.   The reports shared with legislators are available on-line at http://www.micountyroads.org/rdcond.htm.   Michigan residents can voice their concerns about road funding by calling a toll-free number – 888-719-3087.  Callers simply enter their five-digit ZIP code to be connected, at no cost to them, with their legislator.   The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s transportation infrastructure.  The DriveMI campaign is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan.  Please visit www.drivemi.org or www.facebook.com/fixmichiganroads <http://www.facebook.com/fixmichiganroads> for more information on transportation funding.  Citizens can also follow MTT on twitter @drivemi or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads <http://www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads> .   drivemi Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12617 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12615/WWMT-Fixing-Michigan-Roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12615 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12615&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12615/WWMT-Fixing-Michigan-Roads.aspx   Many roads in Michigan are crumbling faster than they can be repaired, and in some cases are proving to be a huge hazard.   drivemi Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12615 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12614/Lansing-State-Journal-Michigan-needs-solution-to-get-475M-in-road-funds.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12614 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12614&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12614/Lansing-State-Journal-Michigan-needs-solution-to-get-475M-in-road-funds.aspx Months ago, state lawmakers agreed it is critical to find $84 million so the state won't lose a massive federal match to fix its crumbling roads. Today, Democrats and Republicans remain miles apart on a way to secure that $475 million in federal funding. And the road ahead seems bumpy as they face an Oct. 1 deadline to pass a new state budget.<br /> Failure is not an option, some lawmakers say. "It would be absolutely crazy to let that (federal money) go," said Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "We need to come up with some kind of compromise with the Senate so we don't leave that money on the table." A few weeks ago, state transportation officials were so unsure of the funding that they removed dozens of scheduled roads projects from lists provided to metropolitan planning organizations statewide. The affected local projects next year are the resurfacing of M-43, between Williamston and M-52, and repairs to rest area facilities along U.S. 127 in Ingham County. Delays possible Bill Shreck, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the agency is hoping to restore the projects once the funding issue is resolved. Even a few weeks delay in getting the funding could postpone project start dates next year, he said. "We can't assume we have the funding until we have it," Shreck said. "This is the first time in our memory we haven't been able to match our federal aid." While the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate have passed state transportation budgets that allocate the $84 million in state money, it comes from very different sources. The Senate budget secured the money largely by shifting money from its highway maintenance account, which already has been significantly cut in recent years. The House budget allocated $84 million in additional money from the general fund. Money 'doesn't exist' The divide is partly ideological in nature. For more than a year, Senate Republicans have refused to consider new revenues and insisted on a pay-as-you-go approach. Now, they are scratching their heads over the House appropriation, noting the state has faced a general fund shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. "(The money) doesn't exist," said Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester. "It's hard to allocate $84 million from the general fund when the general fund is $800 million short." Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, said he is disappointed the Legislature hasn't made progress on increasing the state's gas tax to avoid such last-minute scrambles to find transportation money. In January, Bauer co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to phase in an 8-cent a gallon tax increase through 2013, eventually generating $350 million annually. Though pressure has been building for lawmakers to consider a gas tax, the bill has not moved out of the House Transportation Committee. In May, gas tax advocates cited a report by the Anderson Economic Group saying the state stood to lose 12,000 jobs without the $475 million in matching federal funds. The state's gas tax of 19 cents per gallon has not been increased since 1997. Meetings ahead "We have been talking about this for years, and this should be a priority," Nystrom said. "It's a basic government function. We continue to fall behind on our infrastructure investment." Within the next few weeks, House and Senate members will meet in conference committee to try to reconcile the differences between the two department budget bills. Bauer said she doesn't like the idea of taking the money largely from an underfunded highway maintenance budget. But Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-DeWitt, also a member of the House Transportation Committee, said he supports the Senate approach to the issue, saying it clearly identifies where the money will come from. Regardless, Opsommer said, he is confident a compromise will be negotiated before Oct. 1. "We will find it period," Opsommer said of the money. "That's how important it is." <a href="http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100825/NEWS04/8250374/Michigan-needs-solution-to-get-475M-in-road-funds ">http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20100825/NEWS04/8250374/Michigan-needs-solution-to-get-475M-in-road-funds </a></p> drivemi Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12614 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12613/WILX-TV-Cities-Townships-Brace-for-Revenue-Sharing-Cuts.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12613 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12613&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12613/WILX-TV-Cities-Townships-Brace-for-Revenue-Sharing-Cuts.aspx Proof Leslie Township is suffering from cuts to revenue sharing is in its roads. "None of us wants to drive on bumpy roads and run into pot holes in the spring," says Supervisor Dallas Henney. But something's got to give. Henney says it's either roads or public safety. "We're trying not to cut public safety," says Henney. "There's just no place to cut without seeing a serious reduction in the service. We have to make choices." And so do legislators, says Summer Minnick from the Michigan Municipal League. She tells us the state has already cut revenue sharing by $4 billion over the last decade. "We need to start making this a priority--public safety, infrastructure--things that are going to attract people and retain jobs in our communities," says Minnick, who is the director of state affairs. Local governments are preparing for the worst when it comes to state revenue sharing, so they're doing everything they can to make sure they continue providing essential services. For example, the city of East Lansing voted in May on a property tax increase. Other townships and villages are also making drastic cuts. "That's been on the backs of local taxpayers," Minnick says. Taxpayers like those living in Ingham County's rural townships. Henney tells us they'll vote on a millage increase to fund road patrols in November. "As the state cuts funding to the county, Ingham County is now thinking of cutting the out-county road patrol," Henney says. Henney says he's relying on voters, not the state Legislature. "Every time the state looks to balance their budget, that usually means they're going to cut revenue sharing," says Henney. Summer Minnick says there are two different budgets. The House proposes a small increase in funds, while the Senate cuts revenue sharing. Gov. Granholm will reveal her version of the budget on Wednesday. http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/100949904.html   drivemi Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12613 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12612/DriveMI-Press-Release-Michigan-Voters-Overwhelmingly-OK-Road-Transit-Millage-Requests-Despite-Tough-Economic-Times-and-Anti-tax-Sentiment.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12612 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12612&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12612/DriveMI-Press-Release-Michigan-Voters-Overwhelmingly-OK-Road-Transit-Millage-Requests-Despite-Tough-Economic-Times-and-Anti-tax-Sentiment.aspx LANSING – Voters throughout Michigan generously and overwhelmingly approved measures to pay for road improvements and public transportation in the Aug. 3 Primary.  Voters gave a thumbs up to an astonishing 85 percent of the 136 road repair millage requests from local governments.  In Metro Detroit, voters approved a property tax renewal for regional bus service by a lopsided margin. These primary election results are even more impressive given the backdrop of Michigan’s high unemployment, plummeting personal income and property values, and the perception that voters are in an anti-tax mood. “Michigan voters are willing to step up and financially support the state’s increasingly neglected transportation network – they understand that these road projects not only benefit commuters, but also serve as important economic development tools in a state going through tough times,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association.  “Lawmakers who continue to ignore a growing chorus of pleas to identify a sustainable revenue stream to fix our crumbling roads and bridges would be wise to follow the good judgment displayed by voters.” Voters approved 60 percent of the 48 local ballot measures asking for a tax increase to maintain and improve local roadways.  According to a post-election analysis by the Center for Michigan, voter support for road projects was only exceeded by their support for fire services.   Pressure is growing for the Legislature to deal with road funding in the lame-duck session following the Nov. 2 election.  The Comprehensive Transportation Fund, which pays for road and bridge work, is down by $100 million from a decade ago. The state’s gasoline tax has not been increased since 1997, while the cost of road repair and construction has steadily shot upward.  Revenue from the gasoline tax has been reduced because many motorists are driving fewer miles or switching to more fuel-efficient vehicles. In addition, there are fewer new vehicles being purchased in today’s troubled economy, meaning less money in registration fees.  To make matters worse, lawmakers – for the first time ever – are leaving $475 million on the table in Washington because they can’t come up with the $84 million matching funds to qualify for the transportation federal aid. On the public transit front, the support for SMART bus service across Metro Detroit reached new highs – with 78 percent of Oakland County voters approving a property tax renewal to keep the buses operating, 74 percent approving in Wayne County and 72 percent supporting a renewal in Macomb County. Public transit systems in Michigan employ about 9,200 people and pump $1 billion into the state’s economy.  Public transit usage has grown by 22 percent in the last six years as people discover the financial, environmental and other associated benefits. “There’s no question public transportation reduces traffic congestion and improves the quality of the air we breathe,” said Clark Harder, executive director of the Michigan Public Transportation Association.  “But lawmakers also must remember that for every 10 jobs created in the public transit sector, another six spin-off jobs are created in the rest of the economy.”      The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s transportation infrastructure.  The DriveMI campaign is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan.  Please visit www.drivemi.org or www.facebook.com/fixmichiganroads for more information on transportation funding. Citizens can also follow MTT on twitter @drivemi or visit our YouTube channel.   drivemi Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12612 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12611/Voters-Give-Thumbs-up-to-Road-and-Public-Transit-Millage-Requests.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12611 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12611&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12611/Voters-Give-Thumbs-up-to-Road-and-Public-Transit-Millage-Requests.aspx 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. drivemi Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12611 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12610/PBS-News-Special-The-Future-of-Transportation.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12610 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12610&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12610/PBS-News-Special-The-Future-of-Transportation.aspx Congressman Jim Oberstar talked about the future of transportation on PBS program on August 28, 2009. The discussion is still relevant today. drivemi Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12610 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12609/Carscom-Low-Gas-Tax-Could-Cost-Drivers-More.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12609 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12609&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12609/Carscom-Low-Gas-Tax-Could-Cost-Drivers-More.aspx Amid budget cutbacks, the deterioration of America’s roads, bridges and highways has accelerated to an alarming degree. The kicker, however, is that by forsaking the notion of raising the gas tax, car owners may end up costing themselves more money in the long run. Earlier this month, retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) sent a letter to President Barack Obama’s debt commission, beseeching it to recommend increasing the gas tax to shore up the Highway Trust Fund, which is now insolvent. Although it may be counterintuitive to think that raising taxes can save drivers money, numerous studies have shown that poorly maintained roads end up costing car owners a good deal of money in increased maintenance and repairs. An April 2010 study by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group highlights the dire situation facing our highway system and, in turn, car owners. Poor road conditions cost U.S. drivers $67 billion annually, an average of $335 per motorist, the study says. “This comes in the form of tire damage — having to replace tires — damage to suspensions, exhaust systems that can hit the ground and vibration that can jostle connections loose,” said Karl Sieg, vice president of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Pittsburgh section. “Now this obviously varies depending on where you live and the conditions of roads. For example, it would be much higher if you’re in the Boston-to-Washington megalopolis,” Sieg said. “But people underestimate what all these failing roads cost them — and we’re only talking repairs here, not safety or benefits to the environment or when a bridge falls down like in Minnesota.” In some places, that repair cost alone is staggering. New York City’s lagging infrastructure costs $638 per driver per year, according to the Future Mobility in New York study. Terrible roads in North Carolina cost drivers $1,350 a year, according to the transportation group TRIP. Even tax-averse red states like Oklahoma are not immune: The state’s poor roads cost its drivers an average of $630 a year, according to TRIP. Back to Gravel The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal have recently run sobering pieces on states’ efforts to squeeze services to save money. “We’ve been in the bottom 20 percent of funding for 40 years,” said Bill Shreck, director of communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation. “Our folks have gotten pretty clever trying to stretch dollars.” One way to stretch dollars is to return roads to gravel. Thirty-eight of Michigan’s 83 counties have broken-down paved roads. Alabama and Pennsylvania have started similar downgrading processes. South Dakota has returned more than 100 miles to gravel. And my home state of Ohio is simply letting some rural roads erode. This increasingly popular policy can be a double-edged sword, according to John Habermann of Purdue University, organizer of the seminar “Back to the Stone Age.” “We have to ask if some of these roads should ever have been paved,” Habermann said. “Is having 100% of roads paved a realistic goal?” On the other hand, he notes that gravel roads do have drawbacks. They kick up an enormous amount of dust. They can chip paint, crack windshields and, if driven on enough, deal your vehicle a troublesome amount of road vibration. “If volume is low enough, it makes sense to have a stone road. It’s definitely a viable way to carry traffic, depending on community needs,” Habermann said. “Basically, it’s about the understanding of decision-makers.” Underfunded Infrastructure Perhaps it’s also about the will of those decision-makers, particularly in higher office. America’s infrastructure has gone chronically underfunded for some time now at local, state and federal levels. In his letter, Voinovich pointed out that Congress has had to transfer billions of dollars from the General Fund to prop up the Highway Trust Fund. Why? The federal gas tax has been stuck at 18.4 cents since 1993. Meanwhile, inflation and the rising cost of construction materials have eroded that revenue’s buying power by 67%. The rise in gas prices in the past few years has also affected gas tax revenue at the state level, according to Shreck. “People are driving less and buying more fuel-efficient cars,” he said. “It’s accelerated the issue because we thought we wouldn’t be facing this for another 10 or 15 years.” The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 helped some, allotting $48 billion to the Department of Transportation to dole out to states, but that’s hardly enough to make up for the continued deficit between what motorists pay to use roads and what it takes to maintain them. Sieg cites his own state of Pennsylvania as the perfect example. Because both state and federal gas taxes are not indexed to inflation, elected officials will have to play a massive game of catch-up. Sieg estimates it will take a 48-cent increase in the gas tax to bring the Keystone state’s D-minus roads up to snuff. That equates to about $300 per year for each driver (based on a 25 mpg car traveling 15,000 miles). That’s still below the estimated $335 repair cost estimate from the PIRG study. “It’s a User Fee” “The gas tax really isn’t a tax,” Sieg said. “It’s a user fee. I call it the MFUF: motor fuel user fee. For instance, when you pay a sales tax to fund education, you pay that tax whether you have kids in school or not. But paying a motor fuel fee, you’re paying based on the stress you put on the highway system — how much you drive, how heavy your vehicle is. It’s probably the fairest thing that exists.” Shreck points out that by delaying road maintenance, states and taxpayers are basically shooting themselves in the foot. “It costs seven times as much to make a poor road good than maintain a good road, so it’s costing us more in the long run,” he said. As hard times lead to thriftier spending on infrastructure, the cost to car owners from dilapidated roads will only increase. If raising the gas tax isn’t politically palatable, elected officials will have to get creative — perhaps by creating the long-discussed infrastructure bank, embarking on a vast increase in the number of toll roads or creating a steadily increasing gasoline price floor (a price at which gas prices never fall below with the revenue heading to the Highway Trust Fund). The bottom line is that if drivers don’t want to pay for their highways and bridges, they’re going to end up paying a much larger hidden tax to keep up their vehicles. Infrastructure specialists like Sieg have a dire warning for those who balk at increasing the gas tax: “Our country built the greatest transportation system the world has ever known, and now we’re just pissing it away.” http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2010/08/low-gas-tax-could-cost-drivers-more.html     drivemi Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12609 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12607/PBS-Special-Report-Oberstar-Discusses-Transportation.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12607 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12607&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12607/PBS-Special-Report-Oberstar-Discusses-Transportation.aspx Congressman Jim Oberstar talked about the future of transportation on PBS August 28, 2009.  The content of the program is still very relevant today.  drivemi Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:17:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12607 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12605/Smart-Leadership-Smart-Growth-Platform-Includes-Improving-County-Roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12605 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12605&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12605/Smart-Leadership-Smart-Growth-Platform-Includes-Improving-County-Roads.aspx The seven Democratic candidates for Livingston County Commission want to provide “Smart Leadership, Smart Growth” for the county’s future. The candidates, six of whom are challenging Republican incumbents, described a platform that includes making county government more transparent, requiring the county airport to pay for itself, improving county infrastructure and seeking realistic solutions to the county’s multi-million dollar debt crisis. The Democratic challengers also pledged to make the county more welcoming to business with a “one -stop shop” for new companies, more promotion of local businesses, and an improved county website to showcase Livingston as a desirable place to live and work. In addition, they promised to protect funding for needy veterans and create an active parks and recreation department to improve the quality of life for Livingston residents. “Livingston County is at a crossroads,” said Kelly Raskauskas of Genoa Township, candidate for County Commissioner in District 7. “The decisions we make now have a direct impact on our ability to succeed in the future.” Raskauskas said there are many instances when the incumbents have not shown “smart leadership.” She cited the County Commissioners’ failure to adequately publicize the availability of $24 million in small business funding under the Federal Recovery Act; allowing the county airport to run up millions of dollars in operating losses, and finally the decision to back millions of dollars in bonds issued by townships for infrastructure in subdivisions that were never finished. The debt has put the county in a financial crisis, leading to requests for a state taxpayer bailout for one of the richest counties in the state. Keith Tianen of Putnam Township, County Commissioner candidate from District 6, said another example of poor leadership was the incumbents’ failure to respond when MDOT threatened to close a portion of M-36 for a year, putting local businesses and 100 jobs at risk.   “The Republican incumbents sat on their hands when businesses and jobs were on the line, but I stepped up and worked with Stakeholders in Dire Straits to challenge MDOT’s project and forced it to change its plan and protect local jobs. Where were the Republican incumbents when local businesses needed their help?” he asked.   Dane Morris of Hartland Township, candidate in District 3, criticized the failure of the Commission to develop into parks two parcels of land that were donated to the county specifically for recreational purposes. “To let our current parks sit idle and unused robs our families and youth of the recreational opportunities that our community so desperately needs. To let these resources sit idle is an embarrassment and inexcusable,” he said. The individual planks of the “Smart Leadership, Smart Growth” platform are:   – Stop bailouts for the county’s Spencer J. Hardy Airport, which has posted $4.7 million in total losses since 2000 and received $2.7 million in funds from the county budget. The County Commission should follow its own policy of requiring business-type operations to pay their own way. The money wasted on the airport could have gone to improve county roads, public health or other projects of benefit to all county residents. – Improve county roads. The County Commission’s refusal to support more road funds has left Livingston County with some of the worst roads in the state – some 41 percent are in “poor” condition according to a November 2009 report from the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association. As a result of county inaction, individual townships have been forced to ask voters to approve road millages. –Improve the business climate with a “one-stop shop” for entrepreneurs; supporting local businesses and encouraging local businesses to work together, –Support a study into the feasibility of WALLY, the Ann Arbor to Howell commuter rail line that has been endorsed by the City of Howell, Hamburg Township, the Howell Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce. –Seek solutions to the county’s debt crisis brought on by excessive borrowing for unfinished subdivisions. Special meetings should be held to explain the issue to the public. The commissioners should immediately adopt a new borrowing policy to show they will no longer risk the county’s full faith and credit to support developer hand-outs.   –Insure greater transparency for commission business by using web, media, and other methods to inform the public, and soliciting feedback from residents at least once every two years on county business. – Create an active County Parks and Recreation Commission that utilizes all of its properties and resources to the maximum extent so that families throughout the county have access to recreational spaces.   – Cut pension, health, dental, and life insurance benefits for part-time County Commissioners, whose annual salaries range from $15,325 to $18,114. –Retain the levy that provides relief for needy veterans in the county, which the current Republican incumbents failed to levy for decades and then only reluctantly approved in 2009. The seven Democratic candidates are: Thomn Bell, Oceola Township, District 2; Dane Morris, Hartland Township, District 3; Dave Berry, Conway Township, District 5; Keith Tianen, Putnam Township, District 6; Kelly Raskauskas, Genoa Township/Brighton City, District 7; Amir Baghdadchi, Hamburg Township, District 8, and Barry McBride, Green Oak Township, District 9.   drivemi Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12605 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12604/Roads-Go-Back-to-the-Stone-Age-in-Emmet-County.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12604 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12604&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12604/Roads-Go-Back-to-the-Stone-Age-in-Emmet-County.aspx EMMET CO., MI -- It seems odd to think of a paved road being changed back to a gravel road. But in Emmet County, that's exactly what's going to happen. The lack of funding is transforming some roads back to the Stone Age. "You're lucky you don't blow out your tires every time you drive down the road," laughs Robert Bowden, who travels Larks Lake Road.  "Nobody goes from, in theory, a nice, paved road, back to a dirt road." It's like the movie "Back To The Future."  Emmet County just doesn't have the funds, so they're moving in a backward direction, for the future. "We don't see any foreseeable future where we'll get federal money to reseal it, so we're going to be pulverizing a 3.1 mile stretch of Larks Lake Road between Stutsmanville Road and Robinson Road, and it's going to stay gravel," said Emmet County Road Commission Manager/Engineer Brian Gutowski. The stretch of road in Pleasantview Township that used to be one of the main routes to the now-closed Camp Pellston Prison is in shambles. “You’re going to take a paved road and turn it into dirt, seems like you’re going in a backwards direction to me, “ said resident Tony Conrad. If you've traveled down Larks Lake road, you'd notice that a large portion has actually pulverized itself, and that's why Emmet County Road Commission has decided to change it from paved back to gravel, and this, this could be the start of an unfortunate trend.  Up to 50 miles in the county could go from paved to gravel because the funding, it's just not there. "They just want a decent travel road, and we've assured them that it'll be a lot better being a gravel road then it is going to be a pothole-ridden paved road," said Gutowski. Maintaining the road by repairing potholes costs $20-$30 thousand a year.  Maintaining it as a gravel road: $10 thousand a year.  Construction to pulverize will begin in September. The cost to pulverize the road will be about $12 thousand. Gutowski blames this move on reduced federal and state funding. By the end of 2009, 38 counties in Michigan have returned 100 miles of paved roads to gravel. http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?list=~\home\lists\search&id=497707   drivemi Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12604 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12602/An-unambiguous-vote-of-confidence-for-public-transit.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12602 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12602&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12602/An-unambiguous-vote-of-confidence-for-public-transit.aspx Mass transit in southeast Michigan -- and regionalism in general -- got a resounding boost last Tuesday, when voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties approved, by margins of more than 70%, a property tax renewal for SMART bus service. Despite tough economic times and stridently anti-tax and anti-government campaign messages, SMART's level of voter support was the strongest yet, with 78% of Oakland County, 74% of Wayne County and 72% of Macomb County voting to renew the millage that pays for metro Detroit's only regional transportation service. It is fertile ground for further improvements. The 0.59-mill property tax provides more than 40% of SMART's annual operating budget of $121 million. Rejecting it would have shut down the regional system, stranded tens of thousands of people who rely on SMART buses to get to work, and shredded the only foundation for an improved regional transportation system. Most of the people who voted to renew the millage don't ride the bus. They nevertheless will support the economic, social and environmental benefits of mass transit -- if they are convinced their tax dollars are well-spent. With administrative costs 35% below the national average, SMART runs one of the nation's most efficient transit systems. "People who don't ride still understand that transit is a necessity for some of their fellow citizens: workers riding to a job, seniors or people with disabilities who need to get around, and students getting to school," said SMART General Manager John Hertel. The renewal should propel politicians and other community leaders to approve a Regional Transit Authority that will change how transit in southeast Michigan is funded. The current system is neither adequate nor fair, providing the lowest per-capita funding among all urban regions. Because of plummeting property values, the millage renewal will provide as much as 11% less revenue, probably forcing SMART to cut some service. Moreover, property taxes are a restrictive and regressive way to pay for transit services. A regional sales tax would provide a fairer and more logical way to pay. Provisions that now allow communities to opt out of service ought to be ended. Transportation is a regional service that should be planned and funded regionally. The election results show that virulent anti-transit, anti-tax and anti-regional attitudes reflect a minority of voters. Politicians should take note and promote policies that will produce a modern, adequately funded regional transit system for southeast Michigan. http://www.freep.com/article/20100811/OPINION01/8110326/An-unambiguous-vote-of-confidence-for-public-transit#ixzz0wmJIqfNV   drivemi Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12602 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12600/Statewide-voters-overwhelmingly-pass-tax-levies.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12600 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12600&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12600/Statewide-voters-overwhelmingly-pass-tax-levies.aspx Faced with choices between fixing roads or paying less in taxes, Michigan voters overwhelmingly opted for smoother streets in the Aug. 3 election. They also opened their wallets for fire and police departments, for senior citizens and libraries. Across the state, voters approved 86 percent of the 623 ballot proposals affecting how much they would pay in taxes or, in a few cases, fees, according to a Center for Michigan analysis. They OK’d 96 percent of the requests to either renew taxes or restore rates that had been reduced by the Headlee amendment in the Michigan Constitution. And perhaps most surprising: They supported to 69 percent of the proposals that were flat-out tax increases. “The findings are pretty stunning,” said Tom Ivacko, manager of the Center for Local, State and Urban Policy at the University of Michigan. “My guess is people are starting to really feel the effect of government cutbacks.” Douglas Roberts, director of the Michigan State University Institute of Public Policy and Social Research, agreed that the support of tax proposals was surprisingly strong. “Looking at this data, it certainly indicates that at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be a tax revolt.” There were no statewide ballot proposals in the primary election, but hundreds of cash-strapped counties, cities, townships, villages, schools, and libraries asked voters for money. The outcomes are especially impressive coming against a backdrop of high unemployment, shrinking incomes and plunging home values. The state does not compile data on the local ballot proposals, as Roberts learned when he was Michigan’s state treasurer. The Center for Michigan analyzed results from county and local websites as well as media reports to compile unofficial results. Among the key findings: In the vast majority of cases, local governments earmarked the money for specific uses, rather than general operations. The most common requests came for roads and fire departments. In several cases they asked for money to combat mosquitoes. Voters said yes, yes and yes to proposals supporting senior citizens. All 45 senior-related ballot initiatives were approved. Voters driving to the polls seem to have noticed that their roads are falling apart. Some 85 percent of the requests to fix roads passed. Ninety-four percent of proposals to support firefighters passed. Local governments have been slammed in recent years by the one-two punch of reduced state aid and, more recently, declining property tax revenue resulting from lower housing values and the foreclosure crisis. The state of Michigan has slashed revenue-sharing to cities, townships and villages by nearly $390 million since fiscal 2001, a 29 percent reduction, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency. Local officials have had to take a variety of steps to keep the books balanced. Some have reduced personnel costs by layoffs, unpaid furlough days or leaving positions vacant. Some have closed offices on Fridays. Others are paving fewer roads, closing fire stations, plowing snow less often, or cutting back on parks maintenance. The voters may be coming to understand that they will pay one way or another, CLOSUP’s Ivacko said. If cuts go too far in fire protection, people will pay more on their home insurance. If the roads are crumbling, their cars may end up in the shop. “The low-hanging fruit were gone a long time ago,” he said. “These are the services that people see. These are things that hit people pretty squarely in the face.” Roberts said the success of local governments in enacting millages was even more impressive in a primary election, when voter turnout is much lower than in general elections. Voters who are stirred up — for instance, angry about taxes — are more motivated to show up. “The locals may have done a whole lot better job of selling it, and the compliments should go to the groups that are in effect going to the public and saying, ‘This is what we are using it (tax money) for. We want you to think about it, and we think it’s a good use of your funds,’” he said. Selective Services In 95 percent of the proposals, local officials chose to target the money they were requesting for specific purposes. Voters were more skeptical when they didn’t how it would be spent. A smaller percentage — but still 68 percent — of the general operations proposals passed. Four of seven tax increases for general operations were approved. Ivacko noted that media reports on pay and benefits for public sector employees have raised concerns about how tax dollars are used. “My guess is most citizens are not interested in raising their taxes if that’s what the money is going to go for,” he said. “So if it was simply a general operating millage that wasn’t earmarked for some specific service, there will be significantly less support among the public.” Here is a look at how ballot measures for specific purposes fared. Fighting Fire with Taxes All proposals: 94 percent of 131 passed
 Tax increases: 82 percent of 40 passed
 Renewals or Headlee proposals: 99 percent of 91 pass It’s safe to say that if their houses catches on fire, voters would like someone to come in a hurry with hoses. They resoundingly approved tax measures to support fire departments, including 82 percent of the tax increases. Fire services were the most commonly requested tax proposals — 131 for fire services, 12 for fire and emergency services and 11 for fire and police services combined. David Bertram, legislative liaison for the Michigan Townships Association, said residents realize that in some cases, fire departments may shut down without the tax support requested in the ballot proposals. Voters were less likely to support proposals splitting additional revenue between police and fire. They OK’d all six renewals but turned down three of five increases. Fixing the Roads All proposals: 85 percent of 136 requests pass
 Tax increases: 60 percent of 48 requests pass Renewals or Headlee rollbacks: 98 percent of 88 requests pass Next to requests for fire services support, local governments went to the voters most often seeking money for roads. Voters overwhelmingly said yes. Charles Ballard, an MSU economist, understands why. Voters can see easily enough their roads are falling apart. He noted that Mount Hope Road, a well-traveled road on the southern edge of the MSU campus, is so bad, “I just hope that when I hit those potholes they are not bad enough to activate my airbag.” Bertram, of the townships association, said he has been telling legislators for years that when they cut revenue-sharing money to local governments, it diminishes their ability to maintain the streets. “We are 50th in the nation in getting money for roads from state and local resources. We’re dead last,” he said. “This is a symptom of that.” Supporting the Seniors Total proposals: 100 percent of 45 requests pass Tax increases: 100 percent of 12 requests pass Renewals or Headlee rollbacks: 100 percent of 33 requests pass Arguably the most striking finding of the Center for Michigan analysis is this: In every case, voters supported tax proposals to support senior citizens. “It’s fascinating that 100 percent would pass. This is a lot of proposals,” said Roberts of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. Part of the explanation no doubt is the relatively high percentage of seniors who cast ballots. But Ballard, said it is also consistent with other public policies, such as Social Security, Medicare and state income tax laws, all of which treat senior citizens favorably. “There is a lot of political support for seniors, not just from the seniors themselves, but from throughout the population,” he said. “I think that’s because a lot of people think I’m not old now, but I’d like to be old someday. I’d like to find out what it’s like to be old.” Levies for libraries Total proposals: 87 percent of 38 requests pass
 Tax increases: 77 percent of 22 requests pass Renewals or Headlee rollbacks: 100 percent of 16 requests pass One might expect libraries to fit into the “nice but not necessary” category of taxpayer priorities in tight times, but voters approved every renewal request and the vast majority of proposals raising taxes. Bertram said the results are yet another example of how cuts in funding are having impacts that citizens can easily see. “People realize libraries are going to close, fire departments are going to shut down, and local services they desire and want are going to be shut off if these things don’t pass,” he said. “I don’t think anyone is wanting to pay more in taxes. I think it has everything to do with residents feeling boxed in.” Trusting the Locals Some of the success in local ballot initiatives is a testament to the confidence that people have in their local governments. Ballard, the MSU economist, conducts Michigan State University’s State of the State surveys to measure the mood of Michigan residents. Voters typically have more confidence in local government than state government, and more confidence in state government than the federal government. About 39 percent said they trust local government most of the time — not great, but more than twice the confidence in state and federal government. In the past few years, voters have become fed up with state government as leaders have been unable to resolve budget issues, typically in an atmosphere of partisan bickering. Less than 16 percent trusted state government most of the time in the most recent survey. “The big story in the last couple of surveys is that trust in local government remains about where it was, while trust in state government has just plummeted,” he said. “If there were statewide ballot proposals, I don’t know how they’d do.” http://www.thecenterformichigan.net/special-report-statewide-voters-overwhelmingly-pass-tax-levies/   drivemi Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12600 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12598/America-Goes-Dark.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12598 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12598&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12598/America-Goes-Dark.aspx Everything we know about economic growth says that a well-educated population and high-quality infrastructure are crucial. Emerging nations are making huge efforts to upgrade their roads, their ports and their schools. Yet in America we’re going backward. drivemi Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12598 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12597/Pure-Pothole-Hell-Delivery-Caught-on-Video.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12597 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12597&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12597/Pure-Pothole-Hell-Delivery-Caught-on-Video.aspx LANSING, Mich. - Michigan lawmakers  recently received a special delivery from the Pothole Hell Devils: Personal copies of the “Roads to Pure Michigan are Pure Hell” video that has caught fire on YouTube, Facebook, and with audiences across the state – and, the deliveries were caught on video. While the Michigan Transportation Team’s new viral video campaign has a humorous edge, Michigan roads are no laughing matter. The Michigan Department of Transportation faces a Saturday deadline to submit a complete list of approved projects to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations. To have any of the projects win federal approval by Oct. 1, legislators must find the $84 million to ensure Michigan receives its full federal reimbursement. drivemi Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:57:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12597 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12596/9-10-News-Bridge-Weight-Restrictions-Cause-Hassles-for-Truckers.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12596 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12596&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12596/9-10-News-Bridge-Weight-Restrictions-Cause-Hassles-for-Truckers.aspx Some truckers will have to find a new way to get around in Mt. Pleasant because MDOT says this bridge is not safe for them to use. And it might take awhile for the road commission to fix it. The 40 year-old bridge over the Chippewa River on Lincoln Road is showing signs of its pillars and decking deteriorating. The bridge is now on MDOT's critical list. With that come weight restrictions, forcing large trucks to reroute, making travel more of a hassle. And this headache may not go away anytime soon because this week, voters shot down a road commission millage. The road commission says they'll have to wait until next June to apply for bridge funds. They say it could take up to three years before they can fix the bridge.   Click here to view the accompanying video footage.                 drivemi Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12596 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12595/MDOT-to-delay-projects-in-Shiawassee-County.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12595 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12595&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12595/MDOT-to-delay-projects-in-Shiawassee-County.aspx The Michigan Department of Transportation is delaying or postponing hundreds of bridge and road projects because of budget problems — including five projects in Shiawassee County. MDOT is faced with a shortfall of at least $84 million to match available federal funding beginning in 2011, due to the declining state gas tax and vehicle registration revenues. Because of the shortfall, MDOT will have to work on a reduced highway program, causing a delay of 100 pavement improvement projects, more than 375 miles of road repairs, and more than 575 bridge repair projects. In Shiawassee County five of the six projects planned will be delayed, including the 3.272 miles of  milling and road resurfacing of M-21, Chestnut Street to M-52. Other projects in Shiawassee County that are being delayed are the bridge replacement of M-71 over I-69; deep overlay and full paint of the bridge at State Road on I-69; the deck replacement of the M-71 bridge  over Holly Drain; culvert replacement for the M-52 bridge over Vermillion Creek; and the milling and resurfacing of the carpool parking lot on the northwest quadrant of I-69 and Grand River Avenue. M-52 to Ardelean will be the only project that will not be delayed. Even so, the project is not scheduled to begin for at least a few years. Transportation planner for MDOT University Region Paul Lott said the project, which was originally suppose to begin in 2013, will be moved forward to start in 2012 instead because of the other projects being delayed. Amy Lindstrom, a transportation planner and state transportation improvement program coordinator, said the project will cost about $7.6 million to complete. The University Region serves 10 counties in south-central Michigan: Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties. “All the (projects) that got cut have needs. It’s all based on funding.” said Lott. “Each region was cut proportionally.” The five-year transportation program for the University Region planned to spend $164 million for the road and bridge program from 2010 to 2014. The funding plans were broken down as: road preservation, $80 million; bridge preservation, $11 million; and road and bridge capital preventive maintenance, $73 million. Maintenance projects are planned for a significant number of pavements and structures that do not require extensive repairs during this five-year transportation program period. Such projects are short-term fixes, adding five to 10 years of life to pavement or maintaining the existing structure condition. The five-year transportation program included approximately 132 miles of roads out of the 1,333 miles in the University Region. The plan also included 57 bridges and structures out of the 985 in the region. With the shortfall of money, the total cost and the amount of miles of road and number of bridges are reduced. “It’s getting very difficult for townships to get decent roads. There’s just no money. We are doing the best we can,” Perry Township Supervisor Sid Grinnell said. Fairfield Township Supervisor Les Loynes agreed, “We lost the state (money) to keep the roads up. We have the millage, but it doesn’t help to get everything done.” http://www.argus-press.com/news/community/shiawassee_area/article_8a9a3588-9e43-11df-8e0a-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=print       drivemi Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12595 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12594/Economic-Studies-Show-Investment-in-Transportation-Means-Thousands-of-Jobs.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12594 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12594&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12594/Economic-Studies-Show-Investment-in-Transportation-Means-Thousands-of-Jobs.aspx Recently released economic impact studies have sounded troubling alarms that unless Michigan takes quick action to increase transportation funding for next year, the state will lose out on a golden opportunity to create thousands of good-paying and desperately needed jobs. The Anderson Economic Group, in a study commissioned by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, concluded that Michigan will lose 12,000 jobs and the chance to jump start its economy if state lawmakers fail to pump new money into the state’s deteriorating transportation system.  The study, released in late May, said Michigan could generate more than 15,000 construction jobs if it doubled the state’s investment in roads and bridges.  That would help pave the way for a long-awaited economic turnaround. Just last week the Michigan Department of Transportation released a study which showed that for every 10 jobs created in the public transit sector, six additional spin-off jobs are created in the rest of the economy.  The study also noted that in 2008 transit operations provided about 9,200 jobs and contributed $1 billion to Michigan’s economy.   “The findings of these studies are clear – legislators are putting the safety and the jobs of Michigan citizens on the line by failing to take responsible action to invest in the state’s transportation system,” said Ken Sikkema, senior policy fellow at Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants and former Michigan Senate majority leader. The Anderson Economic Group study, “Michigan’s Roads: The Cost of Doing Nothing and the Rewards of Bold Action,” marks the first time economists systematically connected transportation funding with the backbone Michigan industries that rely on a quality transportation network – manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture.  During the last six years the amount of money available to fix roads and bridges in the Michigan Transportation Fund has steadily declined.  That’s largely due to more fuel-efficient vehicles that result in less gas tax collections and fewer new car purchases which reduce the amount of money collected in registration fees.  Michigan’s gas tax has not been increased since 1997 despite big increases in the costs of road and bridge repair and construction.  The study also documents the direct link between poor road conditions and the associated dangers to motorists.  Lousy roads increase the number and severity of accidents and also drive up the costs of both medical care and vehicle repairs. The Michigan Department of Transportation case study "Economic and Community Benefits of Local Bus Transit Service," used a Michigan-based assessment tool created to help MDOT and transit agencies better understand the important role transit plays in stimulating the state's economy to the benefit of local communities and their residents.  The study found that public transit agencies across the state collectively generated $1 billion in economic activity as a result of their hiring and spending, coupled with the re-spending of out-of-pocket cost savings by riders.  The study also says that the money passengers save by taking the bus, add $264.4 million to the Michigan economy. "For the first time, a local transit agency can now quantify the economic impact and value of bus operations on their community," said Clark Harder, executive director of the Michigan Public Transit Association. "This study cuts right to the chase, focusing on Michigan passengers and our transit bus-based service." The two-year study was conducted for MDOT by HDR Decision Economics, using the most recent data available.  To learn more, visit: www.michigan.gov/mdot. View the Anderson Group study at: http://www.michamber.com/docs/AEGRoadStudy.pdf .  The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s transportation infrastructure.  The DriveMI campaign is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan.  Please visit www.drivemi.org for more information on transportation funding or follow them on twitter @drivemi or YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads or find them on Facebook.   drivemi Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12594 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12593/Detroit-Free-Press-Find-money-for-road-projects-now.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12593 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12593&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12593/Detroit-Free-Press-Find-money-for-road-projects-now.aspx Legislators must act now to raise transportation  dollars or take Michigan down a road to ruin. The state faces losing half its road projects -- roughly $500 million next year alone -- over the next four years because it can't make the 20% local match needed to secure federal transportation dollars. This is no idle threat by the Michigan Department of Transportation. In fact, the wheels are already rolling to accommodate $475 million in lost federal aid next year. In metro Detroit, for example, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is adopting a four-year plan that will reduce spending on vital transportation projects by 63% over the next four years, from $3.8 billion to $1.4 billion. Projects dropped from metro Detroit's list include plans to rebuild seven miles of I-96 in Wayne County and resurface 10 miles of I-94 in Macomb County. Statewide, an estimated 6,000 good-paying construction jobs are at risk next year. Legislators cannot stand by and let Michigan motorists lose hundreds of millions of dollars they send to Washington each year -- money that will now go to other states. One painful but reasonable solution, introduced in the state House, would create overdue parity between the state's gas and diesel taxes, raise vehicle registration fees, and increase the state gas tax by four cents a gallon this year and another four cents a gallon in 2013. Taking $84 million from the state's general fund to get the local match is a temporary fix that doesn't address the long-term problem. Cutting the transportation budget further would reduce road maintenance, including snow plowing and pothole patching, to dangerous levels and close half of the state's 14 welcome centers when Michigan is trying to promote tourism. Projects dropped from next year's transportation improvement programs can still be reinstated, but delays will add costs and complicate planning as the state tries to coordinate road work and projects to minimize driver inconvenience. MDOT normally starts bidding next year's projects in October. Letting hundreds of millions of dollars for needed transportation projects -- and the thousands of jobs they create -- go to other states is a shameful legacy for any legislator to leave Michigan. http://www.freep.com/article/20100731/OPINION01/7310316/Find-money-for-road-projects-now drivemi Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12593 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12591/Hours-after-it-was-repaired-Allegan-Dam-Road-washes-out.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12591 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12591&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12591/Hours-after-it-was-repaired-Allegan-Dam-Road-washes-out.aspx The county road commission will try a second time to repair a section of Allegan Dam Road, which was washed out Friday, July 23, just hours after the same section was reopened following a June 23 washout.

 The washout occurred in Valley Township, approximately 1 mile west of M-89.

 According to road commission managing director Bill Nelson, the road commission used 1,400 cubic yards of earth to rebuild the road before Friday's "partial washout." New asphalt had not yet been laid as part of the repairs.

 Nelson said the damage was smaller but still significant, as rain water removed a chunk of earth on the south side of the road.

 "This time the damage was along the (south) side rather than across the whole road, but it wasn't in a safe condition so we closed the road again," Nelson said.

 Nelson said the road commission was handling the entire project and that the county will pay the bill after it gets more accurate cost estimates. He said the county is currently attempting to purchase an easement from local residents to install an overflow culvert directly above the existing culvert. Nelson said, that when installed, the overflow culvert would help to relieve the other culvert in case of excessive rains or when debris restricts drainage.

 "We are still working on a permanent long-term solution," he said. "And we are currently trying to purchase the easement to put the overflow culvert under the road--it takes a little while." www.allegannews.com/articles/2010/07/29/local_news/3.txt drivemi Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:24:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12591 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12592/Devils-from-Pure-Pothole-Hell-visit-Capitol-with-grim-message-about-Michigan-roads.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12592 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12592&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12592/Devils-from-Pure-Pothole-Hell-visit-Capitol-with-grim-message-about-Michigan-roads.aspx LANSING, Mich. - Michigan lawmakers today received a special delivery from the Pothole Hell Devils: Personal copies of the “Roads to Pure Michigan are Pure Hell” video that has caught fire on YouTube, Facebook, and with audiences across the state. While the Michigan Transportation Team’s new viral video campaign has a humorous edge, Michigan roads are no laughing matter. The Michigan Department of Transportation faces a Saturday deadline to submit a complete list of approved projects to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations. To have any of the projects win federal approval by Oct. 1, legislators must find the $84 million to ensure Michigan receives its full federal reimbursement. “As Michigan’s economic backbone tourism, manufacturing and agriculture industries are in the midst of their peak season, residents and visitors are finding that the roads to Pure Michigan are pure hell,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association. “While the Pure Pothole Hell campaign is lighthearted, Michigan’s crumbling roads are a very serious and growing problem for the state – ask anyone who drives them – they are pure hell.” For nearly 18 months, lawmakers have turned a deaf ear to warnings that their inaction on developing transportation funding is about to cost Michigan $475 million in federal matching funds for roads. Unless lawmakers take quick action, the $84 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 will effectively shelve road rehabilitation and bridge repair projects, which could generate thousands of jobs in a state hungry for them. Without that money, there won’t be enough time to add new projects into the regional transportation plans and complete the necessary permits--especially for projects requiring advance notice for material delivery. “According to an Anderson Economic Group study released in May, doubling the state’s investment in roads and bridges could generate more than 15,000 good-paying jobs and pave the way for an economic turnaround in Michigan,” said Nystrom. “As state legislators continue to look for solutions to turn Michigan’s economy around, investing in our state’s crumbling infrastructure should be a no-brainer.” To view the Pure Michigan, Pure Pothole Hell video, go to www.drivemi.org.  In addition, Michigan residents can learn more by visiting: www.drivemi.org or citizens can voice their concerns about road funding by calling a toll-free number – 888-719-3087 – set up by MTT. Callers simply enter their five-digit ZIP code to connect with their legislator’s office. The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. The DriveMI campaign is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan. Please visit www.drivemi.org for more information on transportation funding or follow them on twitter @drivemi or YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads .   drivemi Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12592 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12590/Repaired-Allegan-Co-Road-Tested-by-Storms.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=68&ModuleID=390&ArticleID=12590 http://www.drivemi.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=12590&PortalID=0&TabID=68 http://www.drivemi.com/Articles/tabid/68/ID/12590/Repaired-Allegan-Co-Road-Tested-by-Storms.aspx (Valley Twp., MI - WHTC News) - Hours after Allegan County Road Commission crews reopened Allegan Dam Road near 41st Street after a heavy June rain washed out part of that road way, the repairs were tested by more heavy rains that came last night. Officials want to go over ways to prevent future washouts before repaving that roadway.   http://www.whtc.com/news/articles/2010/jul/23/repaired-allegan-co-road-tested-storms/ drivemi Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:12590