At a recent State Transportation Commission meeting MDOT leadership announced they would invest $1.17 billion in their FY 2013 Highway Program. This investment level represents a 13% reduction from the $1.35 billion MDOT invested in their FY 2012 Highway Program.
In breaking down this $1.17 billion investment plan, MDOT is currently projecting that approximately $650 million in road and bridge projects will be let in FY 2013. MDOT anticipates $273 million will be used to fund routine maintenance (snowplowing, mowing, etc.) performed by the Department, with the balance of the investment going to fund preliminary engineering (project scoping/design), construction engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and other miscellaneous programs.
Consistent with the direction established by the State Transportation Commission, MDOT’s FY 2013 investment strategy will focus roughly 90% of the Highway Program funds on the preservation, maintenance, safety, and operations of the existing trunkline assets.
In announcing their FY 2013 Highway Program, MDOT leadership commented that although the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) does bring some certainty and stability to the federal-aid program, it is estimated that federal revenue will remain relatively flat through FY 2014 when the law expires. In a positive light, MDOT leadership commented that MAP-21 comes with no new earmarks and that it allows the Department much more flexibility in its’ funding options because of the reduced number of mandatory federal programs specified in the law.
MDOT leadership indicated that they anticipate no shortfall of state funds for meeting the federal match requirements in FY 2013.
Although they are subject to change, MDOT has provided the following documents pertinent to the FY 2013 Highway Program:
2013 Significant Projects List
2013 HMA, Concrete & Bridge Summary
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Glenn Bukoski at glennbukoski@mi-ita.com or by phone at (517) 347-8336.
Independent studies show that Michigan needs about $1.5 billion in new highway investment each year just to reverse the deterioration of our roads and bridges. In order to secure this amount of funding, your support and involvement is crucial! You are encouraged to meet with your State Representative or State Senator when they have their local office hours. These hours are a perfect opportunity for you, as a voter, local resident and business, to develop a relationship and share issues important to you and MITA. Please do not hesitate to contact Michelle at michellevanwert@mi-ita.com or 517-347-8336 for any additional information, assistance, and meeting updates.
