By Tyler A. Dawson, Ph.D., P.E., NTH Sr. Project Engineer
Michigan’s Governor, Rick Snyder, and the State Legislature have agreed to put the lion’s share of a budget surplus into the State’s Transportation Network. This is a positive step toward fully-funding the 2015 transportation package which established a $1.2 billion increase to annual transportation funding in the State. As part of the 2015 package, $600 million in state income tax revenues will be contributed annually to transportation in a phased program between fiscal years 2019 and 2021. The income tax contribution is in addition to a projected increase of $600 million annually resulting from the increase in fuel tax and vehicle registration fees.
Michigan’s transportation network has been deteriorating for years and the conditions of its roads and bridges continues to decline. As of 2017, the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) reports that 20% of roads are in good condition and 40% in each of fair and poor condition. Further, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2018 Michigan infrastructure report card rates our Bridges C- and our Roads D-. The public is becoming more aware of funding needs and the commitment to transportation funding demonstrated by the Governor and Legislature is a welcome site to many Michigan residents and to companies conducting business in Michigan.
Michigan’s transportation network has been deteriorating for years and the conditions of its roads and bridges continues to decline. As of 2017, the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) reports that 20% of roads are in good condition and 40% in each of fair and poor condition. Further, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2018 Michigan infrastructure report card rates our Bridges C- and our Roads D-. The public is becoming more aware of funding needs and the commitment to transportation funding demonstrated by the Governor and Legislature is a welcome site to many Michigan residents and to companies conducting business in Michigan.
Where does the money go?
In 1951, the State passed Public Act 51 to create the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF). This act established the division of state transportation at about 39% for the State, 39% for counties, and 22% for local agencies. Following this formula, the additional transportation funding is distributed across the state and to all levels of government. Look for improvements in your community. If you have questions on the distribution of funds, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) publishes data on the MTF for the public. If you have questions on how the money is being spent, please contact your government representatives.
What can I do?
NTH serves the community by helping build and maintain infrastructure of almost all kinds. We understand the constraints of local and state governments as well as private organizations that provide services to the public such as transportation, water/waste water, electricity, etc. On a daily basis, we confront the constraints faced by those in charge of the infrastructure. We strive to support them to provide the most cost-effective solutions to their countless needs. Together, we do the best we can with what we have, and to spite the innovations made, more funding is needed.
Please continue to support transportation funding and let your legislators know that you want transportation improvement and that you are willing to pay your fair share for it.
In 1951, the State passed Public Act 51 to create the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF). This act established the division of state transportation at about 39% for the State, 39% for counties, and 22% for local agencies. Following this formula, the additional transportation funding is distributed across the state and to all levels of government. Look for improvements in your community. If you have questions on the distribution of funds, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) publishes data on the MTF for the public. If you have questions on how the money is being spent, please contact your government representatives.
What can I do?
NTH serves the community by helping build and maintain infrastructure of almost all kinds. We understand the constraints of local and state governments as well as private organizations that provide services to the public such as transportation, water/waste water, electricity, etc. On a daily basis, we confront the constraints faced by those in charge of the infrastructure. We strive to support them to provide the most cost-effective solutions to their countless needs. Together, we do the best we can with what we have, and to spite the innovations made, more funding is needed.
Please continue to support transportation funding and let your legislators know that you want transportation improvement and that you are willing to pay your fair share for it.
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