Tuesday

April 1, 2008

State Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor)
State Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) represents the 8th District. He serves as the Senate Democratic Whip, and is the Democratic Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee.

Safe Roads, Infrastructure Key to Stimulating Economy

Transportation issues don’t often make the front page of Michigan newspapers, but safe roads are a driving force in our state’s economy.  Without well-maintained roadways, goods can’t be shipped from one place to another, workers can’t get to their jobs, and local governments can’t provide crucial public services to their citizens.

During her recent State of the State address, Governor Granholm announced plans to accelerate the state’s projected ten-year road construction schedule into a three-year timeframe.  This is part of the governor’s “Jobs Today” initiative, which is intended to create jobs and strengthen the state’s infrastructure.

As the Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I was pleased to hear about these accelerated road repairs, which are expected to create 2,100 news jobs and pump $150 million into the state’s economy.  These road improvements will benefit residents throughout Michigan and bring much-needed jobs to our state.

We need to do everything we can to maximize the federal transportation dollars Michigan receives, which is why the Transportation Committee recently approved HB 5861, a bill that would ensure that several high priority road and bridge projects across the state will still be eligible for funding under the federal match program for local construction.

On a related front, I believe the state must do more to keep our roads safe.  That’s why I’m planning to introduce legislation that will provide a dedicated share of the federal economic development transportation grants for local municipalities that choose to implement lower truck weight limits on their roads.  Of course, I would also like to see this be part of a broader discussion on how we fund our roads, with an eye towards the state’s future transportation needs.

Orange barrels can be frustrating for summertime drivers, but they are a positive sign of long-term investment in our state’s infrastructure.  Safe roads provide a secure medium for commerce in Michigan, and will be a key factor in re-energizing the state’s economy.

Check back tomorrow to hear from Sen. Glenn S. Anderson (D-Westland).