In a report that was released today by Gov. Rick Snyder, the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission offered recommendations for improving our state’s infrastructure systems and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. MITA’s Executive Vice President Mike Nystrom was appointed by the governor to serve on the Commission, which was chaired by MITA Member Evan Weiner. MITA is grateful to Gov. Snyder and all the committee members for their commitment to producing the report, which will guide public policy for the state’s infrastructure for decades to come.
For decades Michigan has largely ignored its infrastructure, including drinking water systems, roads and bridges, stormwater and wastewater sewer systems, dams and more. As MITA’s members know, these are the systems that provide Michigan residents with safe, clean drinking water, keep toxins out of our lakes and rivers, and prevent neighborhoods, basements and roads from flooding.
The report issued today is bold in the solutions that it proposes and wise and practical in approaching the decades of work that needs to be done through an asset management planning process.
Now that the report is completed, MITA will remain committed to encouraging the state’s leaders and policy makers to approve long-term solutions, recognizing that there is work to do at all levels of government, including local, state and federal levels. As always, MITA stands ready to help elected leaders advance the numerous public policy solutions that are needed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Nystrom, MITA’s executive vice president, at mikenystrom@mi-ita.com, or Lance Binoniemi, MITA’s vice president of government affairs, at lancebinoniemi@mi-ita.com. They can also be reached at 517-347-8336.
