Bulletins
The Obama Administration’s FY 2011 budget proposal is largely a stay the course plan—at least in the short-term—for the federal transportation programs. The February 1 document includes basically status quo levels of investment for the federal highway, transit and aviation infrastructure programs. This approach appears to be more a function
The State Department of Environmental Quality has just released a new project priority list for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water Fund (DWRF). A copy of the most recent lists can be found by clicking here. In other news, the state’s long-time administrator for the SRF, Chip Heckathorn, retired
This week, legislation was introduced in the State House that would increase the state’s gas tax eight cents by 2013 and provide diesel tax parity (HB 5768-5770). The bills would raise approximately $480 million once fully implemented and ensure Michigan is able to receive the full match of federal aid
In 2009, MDOT released a newly created on-line reporting system to receive feedback on the content and quality of the plan and proposal packages. This electronic portal is intended to be the “feedback loop” by which contractors and engineers provide constructive comments that will result in improvements in the next
Recently, you may have received a letter from the State of Michigan Laborers Pension Fund which suggested that contributing employers may be liable for 5% surcharge in additional to contractually required pension contribution rates. To avoid this, the collective bargaining parties are required to agree to a rehabilitation plan. Unlike
In a December 16, 2009, MITA bulletin (Engineering), several revisions to the MDOT Administrative Rules Governing the Prequalification of Construction Contractors that became effective on December 4, 2009, were described. One of those rule revisions allows contractors with an overall financial rating of $10 million or greater to choose to file an
As the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) moves forward to deliver their 2011 road and bridge program, is your company ready to ensure you make your best efforts to meet the DBE participation goals on those projects you win as the prime contractor? Need some help with those efforts? The
Cherry Bows Out of Gubernatorial Race In Michigan news this week, Lt. Governor John Cherry announced that he is ending his bid for Michigan governor. In a letter to supporters, Cherry cited a lack of fundraising success, which led him to conclude he could not raise the necessary funds to
As the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) moves forward to deliver their 2010 road and bridge program, is your company ready to ensure you make your best efforts to meet the DBE participation goals on those projects you win as the prime contractor? Need some help with those efforts? The
In a late night session at the nation’s capital, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $154 billion jobs bill last night that would provide an estimated additional $850 million for transportation projects in Michigan in 2010. The “Jobs for Main Street Act” invests more than $27 billion in highways
On Friday, December 4, 2009, revised MDOT Administrative Rules Governing the Prequalification of Construction Contractors became effective. These rules define the administrative procedures MDOT uses to “qualify” contractors wanting to bid on projects let by the department. MDOT initiated the rule changing process in 2008 to incorporate language that would allow them
MITA Urges Members to Call Your State Senator This week the Senate Transportation Committee approved a bill by a vote of 4-1 that would increase the diesel tax four cents per gallon (from 15 cents to 19 cents) to provide additional dollars to transportation. The new diesel tax rate would
