LANSING - The membership of Associated Underground Contractors - Michigan's Heavy Construction Association (AUC) and the Michigan Road Builders Association (MRBA) have approved a merger to form the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA).

The groups said the merger, one of the first of its kind in the nation, strengthens the industry's lobbying clout and creates a strong voice for transportation and infrastructure-related issues in Michigan. Both groups represent contractor-members who are significant employers of building trades workers.

"AUC and MRBA have long shared the common goal of creating a world-class transportation and infrastructure system in Michigan," said AUC President Steve Jackson of Jackson-Merkey Contractors, Inc., of Muskegon. "As the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, we will bring our considerable talents and expertise together to make our vision a reality."

MITA officials said the new group would immediately focus on:

• Ensuring Michigan receives an equitable share of increased funding to come from the reauthorization of the federal highway bill, which expires on May 31, 2005.
• Securing adequate and increased levels of state transportation funding.
• Making sure communities use Michigan's existing $1 billion bond program to repair and replace municipal sewer systems. Voters approved the program in 2002, but only $1.5 million of the revolving loan program has been spent to date.

The goal of AUC and MRBA leadership is to establish one authoritative source of expertise on infrastructure and transportation issues. MITA was officially unveiled at the First Annual Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association Conference held Jan. 13-14 at the Soaring Eagle Resort in Mt. Pleasant.

Since 1950, AUC - Michigan's Heavy Construction Association has represented more than 500 members across Michigan, including those companies involved in underground construction, road and bridge building, and various specialty trades.

Since 1928 the MRBA has represented the interests of road construction companies, support service firms and suppliers.

Board members chose to include infrastructure in the new organization's name because of the importance these industries play in Michigan's overall economy. Both AUC and MRBA have also been integral members of Michigan's Transportation Team - the coalition dedicated to bringing Michigan's fair share of federal funding back to the state.

"Investment in infrastructure and transportation projects will remain a key topic in the critical budget debate in the upcoming legislative session and beyond," said Robert Patzer, MITA executive vice-president. "This reorganization puts us in a strong position to make sure our members not only have a seat at the table in these discussions, but that we will continue to lead the effort of identifying solutions to the challenges we face."