During his State of the State address in January, Governor Rick Snyder announced the formation of a few new state commissions to tackle some of the recent on-going issues in our state. Because of the crisis occurring in Flint with their water system, the governor announced a new Michigan 21st Century Infrastructure Commission. Governor Snyder recently signed the Executive Order officially forming the commission.
The commission will consist of 27 members total. The governor has appointed 15 members, four members are appointed by the Legislature; one is selected each by the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader in the Senate, the Minority Leader in the House and the Minority Leader in the Senate; and the remaining 8 will automatically be the directors of 8 different departments in state government, including MDOT and MDEQ.
The Governor has just announced his appointments and one of his recommendations is MITA Executive Vice President Mike Nystrom. Mike is being recognized for his many years of knowledge and expertise in the heavy construction industry and will provide some much needed wisdom on all facets of infrastructure construction for the commission. Governor Snyder selected Mr. Nystrom as one of the key individuals on the commission that brings experience in not only the heavy construction industry, but also as someone who understands how to serve and facilitate a commission of this magnitude.
One of the immediate goals of the commission will be to make recommendations on how to allocate the initial $165 million that was recommended in the Governor’s budget for a new Infrastructure Fund. In addition, the commission will establish the foundation of policy and funding for Michigan’s infrastructure for decades to come, and MITA will be on the ground floor of those decisions.
Additionally, Governor Snyder has appointed long time MITA member Evan Weiner, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Edw. C. Levy Co., to serve as chair of the commission. Evan’s vast experience in the industry, as well as his many positions on various boards across the state, gives him a unique perspective to serve as the chair of this important commission.
The full commission list can by clicking here. The advisory body within the Executive Office must present an infrastructure assessment and its recommendations no later than November 30, 2016, and members will serve terms expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Nystrom, Executive Vice President, at mikenystrom@mi-ita.com, or Lance Binoniemi, Vice President of Government Affairs, at lancebinoniemi@mi-ita.com. They can also be reached at 517-347-8336.
