Bulletins

Legislative

Michigan Transportation Team Kicks-Off Drive MI

Launch of new Web site to provide resource on transportation issues in Michigan LANSING, Mich. — Michigan business and labor leaders are joining forces again to tackle Michigan’s long-standing practice of underfunding transportation needs. “Everyone knows gas prices are skyrocketing but few people realize that less and less money is going
Legislative

Legislative Update

Local Jobs Today Initiative Would Mean $400 Million for Local Roads In a major development this week, the Legislature and governor agreed on a plan for the state to provide $80 million to local units of government in order to be eligible for $320 million in federal grants. The plan
Engineering

Construction Issues/Concerns with Increased Focus

MITA staff has been meeting with MDOT central office and regional leadership to discuss current concerns and issues from both industry and MDOT perspectives. MDOT has indicated that there will be heightened focus in the following areas this upcoming construction season. 1. Prevailing wages – MDOT will be conducting more
Engineering

MDOT Implements

Effective with the May letting the pay item for Minor Traf Devices and Flag Control will state the maximum amount that can be bid for each of those items. These changes are being implemented by MDOT with no input from MITA in reaction to their perception that bidders continue to inappropriately bid those items. MDOT believes
Legislative

March Legislative Update

MITA Protects $2.5 Million of Road Dollars from Being Diverted in Alternative Fuels Plan Legislation designed to promote greater alternative fuel use recently passed the House of Representatives. The legislation offers up to $2.5 million in tax reductions for anyone purchasing E85 (ethanol) fuel or bio-diesel. Bill sponsors believe a
Legislative

Criminal Background Checks

“Criminal history” is an ugly phrase. In 2005, lawmakers passed legislation requiring school districts to perform criminal history checks on those individuals who regularly and continuously work under contract at a school. The intent of this law was to require criminal background checks only on employees working directly with pupils
Labor

Teamster Wage & Fringe Adjustment Effective 4/01/06 UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION ONLY

Please see the following pdf document regarding the Teamster Wage & Fringe Adjustment effective 4/01/06 for UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION ONLY! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bob Patzer at MITA by calling (517) 347-8336 or via email at bobpatzer@mi-ita.com.   Adjustment to Underground Teamsters 2-27-06.pdf
Legislative

State Transportation Funding Initiative

The MITA State Transportation Funding Initiative is now up and running at full speed. The initiative, that has been named the Drive MI Campaign, is a three-prong effort, which will ultimately push for a comprehensive increase in Michigan’s overall transportation investment strategy. The three components to this initiative include: Fundraising
Legislative

February Legislative Update

2006-07 Budget Debate Begins Recently, Governor Jennifer Granholm introduced her 2006-07 Executive Budget Proposal, which included the MDOT Transportation Budget. This budget proposal includes an increase in the road and bridge program due to increased federal funding and a significant number of projects from the Jobs Today Initiative ($418 million
Legal

Adverse Ruling on Differing Site Condition Claim

On December 20, 2005, the Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Triangle Excavating Company, Inc. v. Covert Township, rejecting a DSC claim due to lack of written notice and refusing to consider constructive notice. The opinion, thankfully, was unpublished and thus is merely “persuasive authority” which a trial court
Legislative

Governor to be Keynote Speaker at MITA’s Annual Conference

Governor Granholm will be attending the MITA Annual Conference on Friday, January 20, and will address the group at the luncheon beginning at 12:00 noon in the Saginaw Chippewa Ballroom at the Soaring Eagle Casino. The Governor’s 2006 State of the State Address is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25 at
Legislative

Truck Bills To Go Into Effect 1/1/06

On November 29, 2004, Governor Granholm signed into law House Bill 4358. This piece of legislation will become effective on January 1, 2006. The new law allows a driver to rebalance the lift-axles making a turn or merge before being weighed. The definition of a “misload” is recognized and puts