Aggregates
Lawmakers resurrect plan to eliminate local control in mining permits (The Detroit News, 5/4/23)
- MITA Mention: Leading the charge for the change to state law is a coalition called Build It Michigan Strong made up of the Michigan Aggregates Association; the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association comprised of road construction companies; labor unions such as the Operating Engineers, Michigan Teamsters and Michigan Laborers District Council; and state and local chambers of commerce. The group expressed strong support for the legislation Wednesday.
Fight over approval of gravel mines set to resume at state Capitol (Detroit Free Press, 5/4/23)
- MITA Mention: The coalition of industry and labor groups supports uniform permitting through the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Members of the coalition supporting the bills include the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, and unions representing Teamsters, Laborers, and Operating Engineers.
Coalition Of Union, Business Leaders Show Support For Aggregate Bills (Gongwer, 5/3/23)
- MITA Mention: The coalition is made up of 11 entities who see aggregate permitting reform as a way to catalyze infrastructure repairs and to boost the state’s economy. It includes Michigan Teamsters, Michigan Laborers, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Home Builders Association of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan, the Michigan Concrete Association, the Michigan Manufacturers Association.
Roads
Michigan budget proposals include more money to fix city and county roads (WNEM, 5/3/23)
- MITA Mention: It’s money Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association’s Vice President of Government Affairs Lance Binoniemi said is desperately needed.
“The past five years we haven’t increased any revenues for our local roads and as they deteriorate we need to invest more,” said Binoniemi.
Binoniemi said even though this is one-time funding, it can be transformational for many communities.
“With the money, we’re getting through the stimulus package from the federal government, the extra money from the infrastructure and jobs act, that have come out of the feds as well,” said Binoniemi.
PSC Report
Mileage fees, higher gas tax among options to fund Michigan’s crumbling roads (MLive, 4/29/23)
- MITA Mention: In order to maintain its road system in the coming years, Michigan will need to come up with another almost $4 billion in infrastructure funding annually, according to a recent report from the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association.
