The MDOT Transportation Program
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is in the midst of a fiscal crisis, generated largely by state revenue declines, but also uncertainty of funding at the federal level. A Five-Year (2010-2014) Transportation Program announced by MDOT identifies the Highway Program funding crisis facing Michigan.
MDOT Five-Year Transportation Program (final draft) (4.35 MB)
Michigan’s Declining State Highway Revenue
The Federal Highway Program relies on fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees as its lifeblood. Our federal gas tax now stands at 18.4 cents per gallon and has not been raised since 1993. Michigan last raised its gas tax – by 4 cents to 19 cents a gallon – in 1997. Permanent changes in motorists’ driving habits have led to a $100 million decrease in Michigan’s gas tax revenue over the past five years, and this trend is expected to continue.
Michigan's County Road
Commissions, CRAM brochure (1.042 KB)
How County Roads Are Funded, WCRC
Statewide Push for Increased Investment
In 2007, Governor Granholm established a Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2) to study transportation funding solutions. The TF2 presented their final report to the Governor on November 10, 2008.
The
Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA)
has launched a statewide push to call the public’s attention to
the cuts and push for increased investment, consistent with the
TF2 report. The prospect of losing billions more federal
dollars – taxes Michigan residents have already paid, makes this
legislation a top political priority.
Contact Your Legislator
Transportation plays a fundamental role in growing the Michigan economy and protecting quality of life in our communities. A safe, well-maintained, and efficient transportation system provides the backbone for all economic activity within the state. Michigan residents can voice their concerns about road funding by calling a toll-free number (888-719-3087) set up by the *Michigan Transportation Team (MTT). Callers simply enter their five digit ZIP code to be connected (at no cost to them) with their legislators’ offices.
*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.