LANSING – With no hope of seeing enhanced revenues through an increase in the state gas tax, and little movement on more road revenues from the federal government, the Michigan Department of Transportation on April 29 said it’s moving forward on a plan that’s bad news for the state’s crumbling roads – and the building trades.

MDOT reported that it will proceed with a reduced 2011-2014 road and bridge repair program. Near-term, the agency is faced with a shortfall of at least $84 million to match federal funding beginning in 2011.

Longer-term, MDOT is making dual plans based on revenue availability. One would be a program reduced by approximately $600 million per year, while the other would be a $1.25 billion program that would include the state’s ability to match federal aid.

“We are required by federal law to balance our program to the funds available, but we continue to look for ways to minimize the impact that a reduced program would have on Michigan residents, job creation and Michigan’s economy,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “We continue to seek creative solutions but we face the reality of having to cut $600 million annually, beginning in 2011, and seeing the revenue from federal fuel taxes paid by Michigan taxpayers going to Ohio and other states that are able to match federal funds.”

Even if MDOT receives the $84 million it needs to match federal aid for the 2011 program, the state will face substantial decline in its road and bridge conditions and rail freight, passenger transportation and aviation programs. According to a Transportation Funding Task Force report in November 2008, Michigan needs to at least double its current investment in transportation to provide an adequate level of service, let alone an improved one.

Under the reduced highway program, MDOT will have to delay 100 pavement improvement projects, leaving more than 375 miles of road in need of repair untouched. More than 575 bridge repair projects will be delayed. Capacity Improvement/New Roads funding will be reduced to $10 million a year. In Ottawa County, portions of the Holland to Grand Haven bypass will be delayed, including work along M-231, I-96 and US-31. Reduced safety funding will significantly impact the replacement of traffic signs and the replacement and re-timing of traffic signals.

On May 4, more than 5,000 petition signatures were delivered during a Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) rally at the State Capitol Building in Lansing, telling lawmakers to fix Michigan’s deteriorating infrastructure – now. The team includes representation from Michigan’s building trades unions.

The MTT said the current MDOT budget cuts Michigan’s road and bridge program by 62 percent due to declining gas tax revenues and the state’s inability to match federal dollars. Michigan faces a $2.4 billion reduction in state and federal funding for projects between 2011 and 2014.

“Legislators can no longer ignore the deplorable state of our roads, bridges, transit systems and all aspects of our state’s infrastructure,” said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), and co-chair of the MTT. “Michigan citizens are demanding action and will hold their legislators accountable.”