There have been many reports recently about a federal stimulus package that would invest heavily in infrastructure. Details have been slow to emerge, but there is talk about as much as $1 billion of new highway money for Michigan this year, as well as several hundred million dollars for wastewater and drinking water construction projects. The stimulus plan could also supposedly provide more money for rebuilding schools, expanding broadband capabilities, updating electrical grids and public utilities and other public works projects.
While not a permanent solution to Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure, the money would provide an important immediate boost that would benefit the heavy construction industry. Under the original timeline, Congress was expected to have sent the stimulus plan to the President’s desk on Inauguration Day. Now, it appears more likely that congressional approval by mid-February is more realistic.
Even with the possible new federal stimulus money, MITA continues to work with state legislators on providing new state dollars for infrastructure. Although the lame duck effort to raise new money for roads and bridges was unsuccessful, MITA has already been working with legislative leaders to form a legislative work group to work out differences between the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans.
MITA will continue to monitor these developments and keep you up to date as information becomes available.
Please contact Mike Nystrom at mikenystrom@mi-ita.com or Keith Ledbetter at keithledbetter@mi-ita.com or call the MITA office at 517-347-8336 with any questions or comments.
