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MITA: Locals Need More Funds To Prevent Sewer Overflows

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

MITA: Locals Need More Funds To Prevent Sewer Overflows

Michigan road funding: Americans For Prosperity launching 'Don't raise MI taxes' statewide tour

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan road funding: Americans For Prosperity launching 'Don't raise MI taxes' statewide tour

House panel takes up Michigan road-funding bills

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

House panel takes up Michigan road-funding bills

State road funding proposals topic of town hall meeting in Livonia

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT

State road funding proposals topic of town hall meeting in Livonia

Michigan road funding: Initial budget bill missing $1.2B in new revenue sought by Gov. Rick Snyder

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan road funding: Initial budget bill missing $1.2B in new revenue sought by Gov. Rick Snyder

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan road funding: Initial budget bill missing $1.2B in new revenue sought by Gov. Rick Snyder

Kalamazoo couple win $500 for car repairs in the Pothole Pocketbook Contest

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Kalamazoo couple win $500 for car repairs in the Pothole Pocketbook Contest

Kalamazoo woman first winner of Pothole Pocketbook contest

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Kalamazoo woman first winner of Pothole Pocketbook contest

Michigan road funding: House plan takes shape with wholesale fuel taxes, higher registration fees

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan road funding: House plan takes shape with wholesale fuel taxes, higher registration fees

STATE: Drivers can win up to $500 for pothole repairs

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

STATE: Drivers can win up to $500 for pothole repairs

Pothole Pocketbook Contest highlights MI Road problems

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Pothole Pocketbook Contest highlights MI Road problems

Drivers Pay More for Potholes

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Drivers Pay More for Potholes

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Drivers Pay More for Potholes

State senator: I have plan to fix roads without higher taxes, fees

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT

State senator: I have plan to fix roads without higher taxes, fees

Michigan road funding: Fuel taxes part of problem - and proposed solution

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Michigan road funding: Fuel taxes part of problem - and proposed solution

Michigan sales tax: Where does the revenue go? And what could an increase mean for road funding?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Michigan sales tax: Where does the revenue go? And what could an increase mean for road funding?

Clean-air grants give lift to heavy construction industry

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Clean-air grants give lift to heavy construction industry

Letter: Michigan needs to make road repairs a top priority

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Letter: Michigan needs to make road repairs a top priority

What does an additional penny of gas tax buy in Michigan?

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

What does an additional penny of gas tax buy in Michigan?

MITA improves air quality through EPA grant

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Through a pioneering Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strategy focusing on the nation’s often-unseen sources of pollution (such as heavy construction, locomotive and marine engines) Okemos-based Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) collaborated with the state’s largest construction contractors to accomplish this goal.

Watch Mike Nystrom on "Off The Record" 2013

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Watch Mike Nystrom on "Off The Record" 2013

Road construction industry to launch ads backing higher gas taxes, vehicle fees

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Road construction industry to launch ads backing higher gas taxes, vehicle fees

Snyder favors allowing voters to decide how to pay for highway upgrade

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Snyder favors allowing voters to decide how to pay for highway upgrade

Sales tax hike for Michigan road repairs may go to voters in May

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Sales tax hike for Michigan road repairs may go to voters in May

Road improvement in Snyder's sights

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Road improvement in Snyder's sights

Road Improvements in Snyder's Sights

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Road improvement in Snyder's sights, but with revenue on decline, state seeks ways to fund repairs

Snyder will offer plan to fix roads

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Snyder will offer plan to fix roads

Gov. Rick Snyder to unveil funding plan Jan. 16 to fix roads, bridges

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Rick Snyder to unveil funding plan Jan. 16 to fix roads, bridges

Michigan governor to pitch road plan in State of the State

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Michigan governor to pitch road plan in State of the State

Editorial: Make roads, education top issues

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Editorial: Make roads, education top issues

Kahn: Transportation A Priority In 2013

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Kahn: Transportation A Priority In 2013

Detroit News Editorial: Repair Michigan's Infrastructure

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Detroit News Editorial: Repair Michigan's Infrastructure

Gongwer News: Senate to Shift Focus to Transportation Funding Through Lame Duck

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Gongwer News: Senate to Shift Focus to Transportation Funding Through Lame Duck

Growing Number of Beach Closings in Michigan

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Growing Number of Beach Closings in Michigan

Mike Nystrom: Michigan must fix its roads

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Mike Nystom: Michigan must fix its roads

New international bridge to bring huge boost to both sides of border

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT

New international bridge to bring huge boost to both sides of border

Rusty and rutted, infrastructure holds Michigan back

Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Rusty and rutted, infrastructure holds Michigan back

Coalition calls for break in road funding deadlock

Mon, 21 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

A coalition of labor unions and environmental organizations called on Congress today to break a legislative deadlock that threatens billions of dollars in funding for road construction and mass transportation.

Senate OKs bill that raises about $135M for roads

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Senate OKs bill that raises about $135M for roads

Forum: Infrastructure laws for drivers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Nystrom: Rebuilt roads vital to Michigan's future

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Rick Snyder demonstrated his leadership style of relentless positive action by delivering an infrastructure message last October and then reinforcing it in his January State of the State address, which both called for increased transportation funding. Progress on providing that funding for Michigan is being paved with a bi-partisan package of bills that is making its way through the Legislature. The bills will ultimately help Michigan's economy and benefit every Michigan driver.

Another View: Michigan needs progress on improving infrastructure

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Another View: Michigan needs progress on improving infrastructure

Michigan needs to boost its investment in repairing the state's road and highway infrastructure

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Rick Snyder demonstrated his leadership style of relentless positive action by stepping out with an infrastructure message last October and then reinforcing it in his January State of the State address, which both called for increased transportation funding.

News Summary: January 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

News Summary: January 2012

Detroit Free Press: At long last, Michigan lawmakers confront crumbling roads

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Detroit Free Press: At long last, Michigan lawmakers confront crumbling roads

No-new-taxes mantra hurts roads, transportation group says

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

LANSING – Politicians abdicate their responsibility when they pledge they will never vote to increase taxes, the lobbyist for a group pushing for a $1.4-billion annual boost in road funding said Friday.

Watch Mike Nystrom on "Off the Record"

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Watch Off the Record with Mike Nystrom

Snyder: Investing in roads now will pay off in future

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Rick Snyder says it makes financial sense to start paying more to fix roads now rather than wait and face an even bigger annual repair bill in the future.

WLNS TV: Snyder to Call for 60 Percent Hike in Vehicle Reg. Fees

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

WLNS TV: Snyder to Call for 60 Percent Hike in Vehicle Reg. Fees

WILX TV: State House to Introduce New Gas Tax Proposals

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

WILX TV: State House to Introduce New Gas Tax Proposals

Price of gas, vehicle registration fees would go up under new legislation

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Price of gas, vehicle registration fees would go up under new legislation

Mike Nystrom on WJR's "The Mitch Albom Show"

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

An Interview with MITA's Executive Vice President Mike Nystrom on WJR's "The Mitch Albom Show" on November 22, 2011.

Would you trade a higher sales tax for paying less at the pump?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

LANSING – Would residents be willing to pay 1 percent more in sales tax dedicated to road repairs in exchange for lower gas taxes?

A road fix desperately needed in Michigan

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A road fix desperately needed in Michigan

Business, state's image will improve if aging infrastructure repaired
Gary Heinlein/ The Detroit News

Newsmaker Friday: Nystrom - Road Funding Mix Needed

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Newsmaker Friday: Nystrom - Road Funding Mix Needed

Rick Snyder To Propose Wholesale Tax On Fuel In Michigan

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Rick Snyder To Propose Wholesale Tax On Fuel In Michigan

Snyder suggests $120-a-year hike in car registration fees - detnews.com

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Snyder suggests $120-a-year hike in car registration fees

http://www.detnews.com/article/20111026/POLITICS02/110260422/1024/POLITICS03/Snyder-pushes-improvements-to-roads--transit-and-sewers

Snyder: State should spend $1B more a year, link spending to road use

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Snyder: State should spend $1B more a year, link spending to road use

iPhone app contest to help determine which Michigan roads in worst shape

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

iPhone app contest to help determine which Michigan roads in worst shape

New Mobile App Launched To Track Michigan's Worst Roads, Bridges. WILX.com

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

New Mobile App Launched To Track Michigan's Worst Roads, Bridges

Mobile app, website to help drivers record dangerous roads, bridges. Daily Tribune

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mobile app, website to help drivers record dangerous roads, bridges

New iPhone app lets drivers enter potholes they love to hate in statewide contest. AnnArbor.com

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

New iPhone app lets drivers enter potholes they love to hate in statewide contest

Obama Jobs Plan Could Help Mid-Michigan

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mid-Michigan residents watching President Obama's jobs speech might've thought the President was talking about Lansing Thursday night.

Crain's Detroit Business: State tries to plan for federal cash crunch

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Crain's Detroit Business: State tries to plan for federal cash crunch

MDOT to close 8 Michigan offices, leave 60 positions unfilled

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced today that it will close or consolidate eight offices statewide, leave 60 supervisory positions unfilled and use bond money to help pay down debt in a cost-saving move.

Guest column: Record rainfall highlights the need for improved infrastructure

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

We finished this April with more precipitation than we’ve seen in Grand Rapids since 1976: 17.22 inches of melted snow and rain. These April showers brought more than May flowers. They brought a harsh reminder of the need for infrastructure investment in Grand Rapids and cities like it across the state. The Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association, (MITA) a Lansing construction lobby, made this point last week when it reported that statewide more than 15 billion gallons of raw or partially treated sewage have been discharged into waterways this year.

2.6 billion gallons of sewage dumped into Lake St. Clair

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

An astounding 2.3 billion gallons of sewage was dumped into Lake St. Clair and other local waterways due to the recent heavy rains, forcing the continued closure of three local beaches.

Transportation group heads to Washington

Wed, 25 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

A team of officials from groups with interests in road and infrastructure construction will head to Washington this week to lobby lawmakers.

Michigan takes steps to keep federal road funds

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

LANSING, Mich. — It looks like Michigan won't lose nearly $500 million in federal road dollars after all.

A legislative conference committee came up with a compromise that will raise the $84 million the state needed to put up in matching funds to get $492 million in federal funds.

The Cost of Bad Roads

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - Crumbling Detroit roads are costing drivers $536 a year. That's according to a new study by a national transportation research group, called TRIP.  

The non-profit studied road conditions in big cities throughout the United States. It found that overall roads in big cities are in bad shape.  

Gongwer News Service: Counties, State Look for Ways to Save on Roads in Tough Economy

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Expected budget cuts of up to 50 percent have forced road commissions and the Department of Transportation to maintain or repair only highly traveled roads that pose the biggest safety risk and have pushed many counties to find cheaper or more durable materials, transportation officials said.

Wanted: good roads

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Success of ballot issues for roads indicate public's appetite for improved highways

Backers of increased taxes for road repairs have been touting the results of the Aug. 3 primary election. From nearly two-thirds to more than three-fourths of local transportation millage requests were approved, depending on whether you're talking about millage continuations or increases.

Letter - Petroleum industry lobbyist’s figures on gas tax were flawed

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Lansing, MI - The viewpoint from Mark Griffin of the Michigan Petroleum Association, "Voters should decide how to fund state road repair" (Sentinel, Tuesday, Aug. 31), contained misleading mathematics. Michigan does not have one of the highest gas taxes in the country. In fact, we are in the bottom half of states, having been frozen at 19 cents per gallon for over 10 years. It's Michigan's sales tax, which goes to schools rather than roads, that the writer includes in his calculations, thus inflating the figure substantially.

Lansing State Journal Editorial: Road impasse indicts Legislature’s skill

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Michigan needs solution to get $475M in road funds, $84M needed by Oct. 1 to land federal match

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT

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.

“Devils” from Pure Pothole Hell visit Capitol with grim message about Michigan roads

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Detroit Free Press: Feds' money to hit the road soon; Group warns state could lose its funding

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A road construction industry group is warning that inaction in Lansing will derail dozens of road projects next year and put thousands of road workers out of a job.

Gongwer News Service: Michigan Needs to Invest $7 Billion in Water Treatment, Stormwater Management

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan needs to invest $7.04 billion in water treatment and stormwater management systems to bring those systems up to standards, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Detroit Free Press Guest Editorial: Shifts in road funds are counterproductive

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

It wouldn’t make sense to borrow money on a credit card to make the monthly house payment, but that kind of “robbing Peter to pay Paul” mentality is exactly how Michigan lawmakers are approaching the transportation budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.

Detroit Free Press: Budget to hurt roads, MDOT says

Thu, 13 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan's roads will deteriorate quickly -- and construction will be scarcer -- unless lawmakers fill a gaping hole in the state's transportation budget, officials said Thursday.

The Michigan Department of Transportation warned during a meeting of the state Transportation Commission that it might do significantly less roadwork in 2011-14.

Associated Press: Rally calls for more investment in Michigan roads

Thu, 13 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Organizations that say they're upset with the condition of Michigan's roads are again calling for more funding for transportation projects.

A coalition of business groups, road builders, transportation agencies and motorists is gathering Tuesday at the state Capitol. The coalition is urging lawmakers to come up with a solution that would allow the state to spend more money on roads.

The Detroit News: Michigan roads second worst in country

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan has the second worst roads in the nation, according to a "Highway Report Card" released today by Overdrive Magazine, a publication for truckers and trucking company owners.

Michigan placed third on the report card in 2009. Pennsylvania topped out this year's list with the worst roads, and New York and California tied for third place.

ABC 13 Toledo: MI pothole contest

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT

This is just one sample of the statewide news coverage received so far regarding the Michigan Transportation Team's Pothole Contest.

Detroit Free Press: Budget woes put big road projects in jeopardy

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

We're in for another big year of roadwork as the state gets ready to unleash the orange barrels from storage, but it could be the last one for a while as state road funding plummets.

Associated Press: Lawmakers propose raising fuel tax to repair state's roads

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Two state lawmakers on Tuesday proposed higher taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel to raise money for Michigan's road system.

The bills are the latest attempt to raise more road money and prevent Michigan from losing federal matching money for road construction because the state doesn't spend enough of its own money on projects.

MDOT Project Delay Press Release Receives Statewide Attention

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Here are samples of coverage generated by yesterday's press release regarding MDOT project delays. Click here for a pdf of the stories, or copy and paste the link beneath each story into your browser to view the story online.

MITA's Worst Roads Press Coverage

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

More than 40 articles resulted from MITA's "Worst Roads" press release yesterday, including the Associated Press article shown here. Click here for a pdf with the rest of this story and many of the other articles.

Michigan Information and Research Service: New study predicts transportation job losses

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Michigan could lose up to 25,000 jobs due to a lack of transportation funding, a new University of Michigan study concluded.

Detroit Free Press: Road projects should be ending, but many are just beginning

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Link: Road projects should be ending, but many are just beginning

Drivers like Erik Kuszynski of Livonia are feeling crushed by the huge amount of roadwork starting later and lasting longer this year...

Michigan Information and Research Service: Private Companies Take Over Roads Under Plan

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Department of Transportation (MDOT) would turn over state-run highways and facilities to a private company, which could, in turn, set up tolls to either build new roads or expand capacity on existing roads, under a proposal presented to a joint House-Senate transportation committee today.

Michigan Information and Research Service: Michigan's Bad Roads Go National

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

To the rest of the country, Michigan is seen as being synonymous with the automobile. The birthplace of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, Detroit and Michigan are known as a place where people take a lot of pride in their cars and trucks.

The Detroit News: $740M of Michigan roadwork axed

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The state took another hard shot Thursday when the Michigan Department of Transportation announced it has canceled more than 137 road and bridge projects, totaling $740 million, due to Michigan's inability to match federal dollars. Michigan's portion of the federal match for road construction will now go to other states.

Kalamazoo Gazette: Contractors still waiting for projects via federal funds

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

At the beginning of the year, talk of a large stimulus plan for infrastructure improvements and other possible work was generating much interest in the commercial construction community. Three months after Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, most of the industry is still waiting to see any real action from it.

Crain's Detroit Business: Transportation bills could raise 1.8B for roads, bridge

Fri, 15 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Crain's Detroit Business
link: Transportation bills could raise 1.8B for roads, bridges

Legislation that could raise some $1.8 billion annually for Michigan roads and bridges was announced Thursday in Lansing by lawmakers, transportation and business interests.

Detroit Free Press: Plan's gas tax, vehicle fees would help fix roads

Thu, 14 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Plan's gas tax, vehicle fees would help fix roads

An influential coalition proposed today increasing the state gasoline tax and vehicle registration fees to generate an additional $1.8 billion for new and improved roads.

Gongwer News Service: Take advantage of lower gas prices to pass transportation funding hike

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With gas prices hovering around the $2 mark for several weeks, lawmakers were told now is the time to act on a transportation infrastructure funding package that would include going to a wholesale gas tax and increasing vehicle registration fees.

WNEM Saginaw: Saginaw County Wins Bad Roads Trifecta

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Saginaw County Wins Bad Roads Trifecta

Saginaw County won a statewide contest for the worst pothole for the second consecutive year, in addition to their 2008 award for the state’s worst bridges.

This series of bad luck and three statewide awards has now earned the county a “Bad Roads Trifecta,” the Okemos-based Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association announced Monday.

Saginaw News: Price tag to fix street with state's worst pothole: $168,000

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Saginaw News: Price tag to fix street with state's worst pothole: $168,000

Price tag to fix street with state's worst pothole: $168,000

Michelle K. Scott won $318 for her photo of the state's worst road crater, but she's $38 in the hole after subtracting the repair bill for her Chevy Blazer.

Detroit News: Michigan roads to get $847 million boost

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Michigan roads to get $847 million boost

Lawmakers have given final approval to legislation necessary for the state to spend $847 million in federal stimulus money on road projects throughout the state.

NBC 25: Stimulus Funds are a Band-Aid

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Stimulus funds are a Band-Aid

Senate passage today of HB 4582 means Michigan will get its $873 million share of federal economic stimulus funds for transportation, but it won’t be enough to cover Michigan’s long-term road funding needs.

Livingston County Press: Michigan roads among worst in nation

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Report: Michigan roads among worst in nation

According to Overdrive Magazine’s “Highway Report Card,” roads in Michigan are the third worst of any state.

Louisiana earned the dubious distinction of having the worst roads, followed by Pennsylvania and then Michigan. Among the ten worst roads individually, Interstates 75 and 94 in Michigan ranked Nos. 9 and 10, respectively.

WDIV: The Nation's Worst Roads

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

DING DING DING! You guessed it MICHIGAN is on the list for having some of the worst roads in the nation according to Overdrive Magazine’s Highway Report Card.

MITA: MI has 3rd worst roads in nation

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

According to Overdrive Magazine's Highway Report Card, Michigan's roads are ranked the third worst in the nation.

Detroit News: Michigan highway projects at risk

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

link: Detroit News: Michigan highway projects at risk

Despite the flow of economic stimulus money to Michigan, the state will come up way short of the money it needs for roadwork by 2011, if policymakers don't find a way to add hundreds of millions of dollars to the road funding pot.

Detroit News: Gov backs gas tax change

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Detroit News
link: Gov backs gas tax change

LANSING -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm Wednesday ramped up her support for changing the state gasoline tax from a flat 19 cents a gallon to a proportional rate that would raise more money for road repairs as gas prices rose.

WILX-TV: Pothole Hell Video Shows Awful Roads

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

link: "Pothole Hell" Video Shows Awful Roads

When the mission to fix potholes hits a-- well, pothole-- take your case to the Internet.

Detroit Free Press: Get Ready for Pothole Hell!

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

link: Detroit Free Press: Get Ready for Pothole Hell!

Click here for a pdf of this story.

Rachel Miller already is dodging big potholes on the Southfield Freeway as she commutes from Ferndale to Dearborn. And the spring thaw that brings out tire-killers is still weeks away.

Port Huron Times Herald: Newspaper's gas tax idea won't work

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

This point of view was submitted to the Port Huron Times Herald by MITA's Vice President of Government and Public Relations Mike Nystrom.

The Times Herald dropped a huge lump of coal in the stockings of Michigan students and local officials shortly before Santa was to arrive in St. Clair County.

Detroit News: Stop road dollars diversion to state agency

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

link: Detroit News Editorial Rebuttal: Stop road dollars diversion to state agency

Click here for a pdf of this article.

It was quite interesting to read the column by Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land suggesting that we reform state highway spending before providing any new money for roads and bridges ("Reform state highway spending first," Dec. 24). We welcome Land's recent interest in helping solve our transportation crisis and look forward to working with her.

Detroit Free Press: As road needs sputter on empty, Granholm runs low on gumption

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The legislature did not approve increased transportation funding during the lame duck session of 2008, but MITA is not giving up. There are still opportunities for funding to be approved in 2009 due to mounting pressure to address our crumbling infrastructure. A recent example of that pressure follows.

WKZO Radio Kalamazoo: Michigan Roads Severely Underfunded

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Michigan Roads Severely Underfunded

LANSING -- Michigan legislators have a chance before the lame duck session ends to ensure roadways are fixed up and maybe a few new jobs are created, but the state's transportation budget is currently about three billion dollars short. Vice president of government and public relations at MITA Mike Nystrom says a big part of the problem is that Michigan must match funding from the federal government.

Detroit Free Press: Save roads with a modest gas tax hike

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Detroit Free Press: Save roads with a modest gas tax hike

There's no good time to raise taxes, and now, admittedly, is one of the worst. Still, for state elected officials to leave Michigan roads crumbling, and even unplowed and unsalted this winter, for lack of money is politically cowardly and publicly irresponsible.

Oakland Press: We need to bite bullet and approve road tax

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Oakland Press: We need to bite bullet and approve road tax

There is a new tax increase proposal geared to improving Michigan’s crumbling highways. We’re never excited about a tax increase but considering the condition of our roads and the fairness of the plan, we think it should be approved by the state legislature.

Detroit Free Press: Major road projects across Michigan could be shelved

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Major road projects across Michigan could be shelved

Major road projects planned for the next five years could be delayed indefinitely beginning in 2010, as the state prepares for a future with big shortfalls in transportation funding.

WLNS TV-Lansing: State Releases 5-Year Transportation Plan

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: State Releases 5-Year Transportation Plan

The state of Michigan's transportation system may soon be even worse off. The Michigan Department of Transportation just released their new five year plan. In it, MDOT has cut 246 previously planned road projects statewide over the next five years due to a lack of funding. Those cuts mean the loss of nearly 8,000 jobs the projects would have created.

Grand Rapids Press Editorial: A new route to transportation funding in Michigan

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Grand Rapids Press Editorial: A new route to transportation funding in Michigan

Despite the old adage about the road to Hell, good intentions don't pave anything. Money does, and very soon the state won't have nearly enough. A new way of paying for highways, bridges and mass transit must be found. Part of the solution should be a restructuring and increase of the state's gas tax, the prime driver of our transportation infrastructure.

WLAJ-TV Lansing: Local Leaders Seek Transportation Funds

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Local Leaders Seek Transportation Funds

It's getting down to the wire for state lawmakers to pass transportation funding and reforms before their holiday break.

Detroit Free Press: Proposal overhauls funding for Michigan's roads

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Proposal overhauls funding for Michigan's roads

A construction industry group is pushing to change gas taxes in Michigan to raise more money for roads and other transportation needs.

Forbes: Better if Michigan taxes gas wholesale price

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and lawmakers should consider eliminating Michigan's 19-cents-a-gallon gasoline tax and replacing it with a tax on the wholesale price of gas, according to a report released Monday.

Worst Roads Release Continues to Generate Statewide Media Coverage

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The following are samples of media coverage that MITA is still generating from a press release MITA issued on October 20, “Transportation Group Names Worst Roads in Michigan.” The findings utilized 2007 data from the Michigan Asset Management Council PASER Road Evaluation Program, which evaluated all roads on the federal aid system in 83 counties and almost 1,800 municipalities across Michigan. Click here for a link to the press release. Click here for a link to the data. Click here for a pdf of the sample stories.

Worst Roads Release Generates Statewide Media Coverage

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The following are samples of media coverage generated by a MITA Press Release Monday, October 20, “Transportation Group Names Worst Roads in Michigan.” The findings utilized 2007 data from the Michigan Asset Management Council PASER Road Evaluation Program, which evaluated all roads on the federal aid system in 83 counties and almost 1,800 municipalities across Michigan. Click here for a link to the press release. Click here for a link to the data. Click here for a PDF that includes these sample stories. MITA’s Vice President of Government and Public Relations Mike Nystrom continues to conduct numerous media interviews across the state regarding this topic to underscore the dire need for increased transportation funding.

WILX TV Lansing: Road Budget Not Settled

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

State lawmakers have reached a stalemate over the transportation budget and that could cripple Michigan's economy. The holdup? A battle over a proposal for a new international bridge crossing in Detroit. One side wants the project to be privately owned, the other wants a publicly owned crossing. Without a quick compromise, taxpayers will lose out.

Detroit News: Bridge plans may stop roadwork

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As construction crews hustle to finish their work before winter sets in, an impasse over a proposed second Detroit-Windsor bridge threatens to halt 136 Michigan road projects in two weeks.

Lansing State Journal: Legislators can't shirk duty on road $$

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

link: Lansing State Journal: Legislators can't shirk duty on road $$

State lawmakers know Michigan faces a crisis in repairing its roads and bridges. The gap between the money available and the money needed is measured in the billions. And it's only growing worse.

WLNS TV 6 Lansing: Funding for road construction drying up

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When you pick up the pump at the gas station, you're not only filling up your car, but you're pumping money into a federal fund that pays for better roads. Now drivers are buying less gas and the government says it's 8-billion dollars short. Time to come up with a way to fund local road projects is running out. For the eighth month in a row, the Michigan Department of Transportation says fewer drivers are hitting the roads, which could soon lead construction projects on a one-way road to a dead end.

Gongwer News Service: Transportation Interests Support D.R.I.C., Urge Quick Resolution on Budget

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Unless a 2008-09 budget is resolved soon, Michigan may be forced to cancel road construction projects and lay off thousands of workers, legislators were warned in a letter sent them by the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association

ABC 12 Television: Bridges still safe to drive on, but need repairs

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

ABC 12 Television

link: Bridges still safe to drive on, but need repairs

A new report shows that state bridges are in bad shape, and the worst are in Saginaw County.

Livingston Daily: Bumpy future ahead for road funding

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

link: Bumpy future ahead for road funding

A report that states the costs of Michigan's basic road and bridge needs have doubled to $6.1 billion per year is especially bad news for Livingston County, which receives the least road funding per capita in the state, officials said.

Associated Press: Age, maintenance concern for Mich. bridges

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

link: Age, maintenance costs concern for Mich. bridges

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Nearly half of Michigan's bridges are at least 40 years old, causing some concern that their repair and maintenance bills could escalate substantially within the next few years.

Associated Press: Michigan must double spending on roads

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Associated Press
link: Report: Michigan must double spending on roads

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan needs to double its spending on roads and bridges or many will keep deteriorating and become unsafe, says a report to a task force studying how to pay for transportation projects without raising the state's gasoline tax.

Lansing State Journal: Funds fall short for miles of mid-Michigan road work

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

By the road commission's count, about 160 miles of pavement in Eaton County is due for asphalt resurfacing to repair cracks, crumbling and potholes.

But because of an increase in the cost of materials and a decline in revenues, largely because drivers are cutting back on trips, saving gas and thus paying less in gas taxes, only about three and a half miles will be resurfaced by the road commission this year.

WLNS TV 6 Lansing: Water Main Breaks

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

There were five water main breaks throughout Lansing.

They all happened early Thursday morning. Two happened on Mount Hope, one near Bedford and another near Doral. Another break spewed water near the intersection of south Washington and Dunlap. One more near south Jenison and Lenawee, and finally another one broke near Michigan Avenue and Howard.

WLNS TV 6 Lansing: Michigan Roads Getting Worse

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's a bumpy ride on Michigan's roads and it could get worse. That might not surprise anyone who's driven anywhere lately, but a new state report confirms those suspicions. It says the number of Michigan roads in poor condition has nearly doubled since 2004. The number of roads in good or fair condition has fallen by about 10%. The longer we wait to fix those roads, the more expensive it will get. If you thought Michigan's roads were rough and rugged now, just wait. A new state report predicts nearly 45% of the states' paved roads will be in poor condition by 2018.

WDIV: Detroit Ranks Second For Worst Commute

Mon, 12 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The town known as the motor city has been ranked among the worst for getting around.

According to Forbes.com, Detroit is the country's second-worst city for commuters.

The Forbes report noted that despite a steady decline in population, the length of the commute continues to rise.

Oakland Business Review: Budgetary potholes rattle economy

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

link: Budgetary potholes rattle economy
Click here for a pdf of this article.

Guest Opinion
By Michael Nystrom

Michigan's roads are a growing problem. Every Michigan driver has had at least one encounter with a rim-bending pothole, and as we enter the heart of pothole season, it's only going to get worse.

Kalamazoo Gazette: Michigan roads are cracking up

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Kalamazoo Gazette

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

link: Kalamazoo Gazette: Michigan roads are cracking up

The weekend snowstorm may have covered up Michigan's impressive assortment of potholes. But they're still there -- every bone-jarring, wheel-bending, tie-rod-snapping one of them.

Lansing State Journal: Crumbling: Michigan needs investment in roads, not more gravel

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Lansing State Journal

link: Crumbling: Michigan needs investment in roads, not more gravel

Ground down by financial pressures, road agencies in Michigan are looking at a policy of grinding down damaged paved roads into gravel tracks.

MIRS: Road System in Dire Straits

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The state's leading road building group this morning warned members of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee that Michigan's leaders need to act now in order to avoid incurring ever-mounting road funding bills down the line.

Lansing State Journal: Roads: To get beyond potholes, Michigan needs Capitol aid

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Lansing State Journal

link: Roads: To get beyond potholes, Michigan needs Capitol aid

A Lansing State Journal editorial

Mayor Virg Bernero and his chief of staff, Jerry Ambrose, had a couple of clear messages for Lansing drivers Tuesday:

Associated Press: Gov. Granholm: Bad roads, bridges could be good for new jobs

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

This story, with Mike Nystrom's comments, received a massive amount of media coverage across the state in newspapers, radio and television.

Detroit Free Press: Turn that road crater into cash

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Detroit Free Press

link: Turn that road crater into cash

Here’s a way make money off that ruinous pothole you’re warning everyone to avoid.

A road-improvement group is holding a contest to find the state’s worst, most menacing chuckholes. Three winners will receive what the Michigan Transportation Team calls “service center scholarships” of $318, the average amount the group says bad roads cost motorists each year.

Numerous Statewide Media: Pothole Contest

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

As one Detrot news columnist put it this week: "We are under siege from the destructive seasonal catastrophe known as the pothole." Here are samples of the news coverage that was generated this week regarding a pothole contest launched by MITA and the Michigan Transportation Team. You can view photos of the contest entries, and also vote for the one you think is the worst, by clicking here . And go ahead, enter a photo of your favorite pothole. We know you have one!

WILX-TV Lansing: Michigan Highways Get The Short End

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Driving down the highway can be a rocky ride for Mid-Michigan residents -- A ride that needs constant reconstruction and repair.

"Obviously Michigan is struggling, we have an infrastructure that's falling apart. You drive on our roads and see the potholes. You drive under our bridges and concrete raining down on you. It's a safety issue. It's impacting our economic opportunities," said Mike Nystrom of the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association.

The Saginaw News: Potholes lie in wait

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Saginaw News

link: Potholes lie in wait

Prepare for a bumpy ride.

The snow will melt and the icy grip of winter will fade, but not without inflicting serious damage to our roads. In the meantime, the season of bone-rattling potholes has started.

WLNS-TV: Group Wants Budget Surplus Put Back to Fixing Roads

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

WLNS-TV Lansing

link: Group Wants Budget Surplus Put Back to Fixing Roads

A lobbying group for Michigan roads is demanding its share of money back from the state after being hit with deep funding cuts. Just this week, lawmakers announced the state finished the 2007 fiscal year with a surplus. Now one group says some of that extra money should go back towards fixing Michigan's roads. Those lawmakers have different plans. Driving around Michigan, it's likely you'll see some cracks and potholes in the roads.

Dowagiac Daily News: Fight continues to fund roads - money needed in 2008 to fix MIchigan's crumbling infrastructure

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Dowagiac Daily News

link: Fight continues to fund roads: money needed in 2008 to fix Michigan's crumbling infrastructure

LANSING - The Michigan Legislature failed to provide adequate funding to fix our crumbling roads and bridges in 2007, but transportation leaders will be heard loud and clear in 2008.

Lansing State Journal: Gas tax - Saying no to tax increase carries costs for the state, too

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

A Lansing State Journal editorial

Coming off one of the most bitter budget and taxation battles in Michigan history, it's hardly surprising that Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she's done with pushing tax increases.

Millions of Michigan residents no doubt endorse that stand - which apparently includes Granholm's opposition to a fuel tax increase.

Crain's Detroit Business: Task force to look for road funding

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

link: Task force to look for road funding

There's a new player entering Michigan's road-funding debate.

A public-private task force, created through a bill passed earlier this month, will look at alternative ways to fund roads in 2008, as well as the adequacy of aeronautics service and finance.