Inside 208

For those interested in information, reports, and analysis of the new transportation authorization act known as “MAP-21” (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century), you are encouraged to visit Transportation Issues Daily, “MAP-21 Learning Center”.  The site contains links to congressional summaries and reports as well as webpages and news reports from any...

With the presidential election heating up, the debate over how to deal with federal deficit is coming into sharper focus. Recall that as part of the deficit deal of last year, automatic spending cuts and tax hikes will take effect if no deal is reached by the end of this year....

In the 2006 lame duck session the legislature passed PA 480 of 2006, a law requiring uniform video franchising.  Our members are very familiar with this law and it’s effect to eliminate local control in cable issues. On July 10 the Federal District Court in Detroit issued a major decision...

From the Michigan Department of Treasury: The Michigan Department of Treasury is reopening the second round of the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP) grant award process for the 2012 fiscal year, after Governor Snyder’s signing of a supplemental appropriation which includes an additional $10 million for the popular grant program....

Space still remains for Training Wheels on July 16th in Alma. Training Wheels is an education course on the planning and design of on-road bicycle facilities. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Alma- Training Wheels Flyer 2012.pdf (331.80 kb) Jason Mancini works for the Michigan Municipal League as...

The MML, in collaboration with the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, SEMCOG, Transportation for Michigan, and our national partner, Transportation for America is sponsoring a workshop on Wednesday, August 15th on regional transit issues and financing projects.   The workshop will be held from 9 am -3 pm at the Ford Community and Performing...

Congress continues to move forward with the fiscal year 2013 budget.  While not all has been negative news for communities, last week’s vote by the House Appropriations Committee proved otherwise. The committee voted out the spending bill for the Department of Interior and Environmental Protection Agency and in so doing...

With passage of a new transportation authorization act and a increase in funds available for the federal TIFIA (Transportation Infrastructure and Innovation Act) Program, a webinar being hosted by the National Highway Institute now takes on more importance. The webinar, to be held on July 11th from 130-330 is designed to help...

Michigan has been hit particularly hard by the foreclosure crisis. Now, Federal funds are available through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to stop foreclosures and help Michigan homeowners stay in their homes. There are funds available for those who are unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits, employed but are behind...

With all the commotion regarding the transportation bill and the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act, seemingly getting lost is work Congress is doing on the 2013 budget.  And one very important piece, HR 5972, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development budget passed the House with good news for...