Last week saw a flurry of activity in our nation’s capital among leaders involved in forging a new transportation bill before June 30th when the current extension runs out.

It seems that day by day those in the beltway loop go back and forth as to whether or not a deal will be worked out or another extension voted on before the end of this week.

Late last week both Speaker Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Reid gave their top negotiators a few more days to craft a bill. Since then statements by both Senator Boxer and Congressman Mica wouild indicate a deal is close at hand.

The issue for local and state governments and transportation adovcates is what will the deal look like.  Will local control issues over streets and mobility priorities lose out to those who want to be able to go home and say they finally did something?

This is why members are strongly encouraged to speak with their congressional representatives. They need to hear from you about the importance of transportation infrastructure and the positive impact it can have on the economy of both urban and rural areas of our state. 

The League has written a letter to Congressmen Camp and Upton (members of the conference committee) as well as the entire Michigan delegation detailing the need for some certainty by enacting a longer term transportation funding bill that provides adequate funding, and programs that will give locals the ability to create vibrant places for economic growth.  conference committee letter_may2012.pdf (576.62 kb)

Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail