Road Funding
Michigan road funding debate heats up as GOP introduces plan to fund repairs (WEYI/Mid-Michigan Now, 3/6/25)
- MITA Mention: The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association warned of an impending “funding cliff” as current resources dwindle. “There’s an urgency because the funding does run out, which could potentially lose jobs in our state, jobs that won’t return back to Michigan or find other jobs in other industries. They will take those skills and go elsewhere,” says Lance Binoniemi, who is the VP of Government Affairs for MITA.
Experts warn that delaying road funding could increase repair costs later on (9 and 10 News, 3/4/25)
- MITA Mention: “The goal is 10% or less in poor condition. There isn’t a single legislative district or any area of the state that has 90% good and fair condition currently,” said Lance Binoniemi, vice president of government affairs for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association.
Binoniemi told the House Transportation Committee that current road investments are below where they need to be, and could lead to greater spending without early repairs.
“If we don’t properly invest in capital preventative maintenance and rehabilitation when the road needs it, that road will last only 20 years.” he said. “We can extend the life of that road up to 50 years with properly investing now, early.”
Binoniemi says that every dollar invested in road funding can save up to $14 in reconstruction costs later.
$3.14B road funding plan without tax hike formally introduced by House GOP (MLive, 3/6/25) ATTACHED
Road Funding Conversations Advance: Dems Gather Point People, GOP Introduces Bills (Gongwer, 3/6/25) ATTACHED
- MITA Mention: The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association praised theprogress on roads in a statement on Thursday.
“As Michigan approaches the road funding cliff this year, significant progress is being made toward a long-term funding plan for Michigan’s transportation infrastructure,” Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the organization, said in a statement. “We’re pleased that the proposals put forward by Gov. Whitmer and House Republicans both share a commitment to ensuring that all fuel taxes go toward fixing our roads and bridges and that both propose using a least $500 million in existing state revenues. This common ground marks a strong starting point for legislative negotiations.”
Lance Binoniemi on Michigan’s Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels (Michigan’s Big Show, 3/6/25)
- MITA Mention: Lance interview
There are two plans to fix Michigan’s roads. Will either happen? (WOOD TV 8, 3/6/25)
Michigan Republicans introduce $3.1B road plan in Lansing (WWMT, 3/6/25)
Tax, cut or both? Gretchen Whitmer needs House GOP help to fix Michigan roads (Bridge Michigan, 3/6/25)
Flashpoint: Michigan governor strikes bi-partisan tone in State of the State Address (WDIV 4, 3/2/25)
- MITA Mention: Lance interview
Republicans’ House Road Funding Plan Coming Thursday (MIRS, 3/5/25) ATTACHED
House Republican Road Funding Bills Expected Thursday (Gongwer, 3/5/25) ATTACHED
Road Lobby Says Another Study Isn’t Necessary (MIRS, 3/4/25) ATTACHED
- MITA Mention: Lance BINONIEMI, the legislative liaison for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), estimated today during a House committee that “maybe five people read it.”
His basic point in speaking with lawmakers today was “It’s not necessary to have another blue-ribbon commission or another study to show that we should put more money into our local roads.’
West Michigan Policy Forum To Lawmakers: Say No To More Taxes For Roads (Gongwer, 3/3/25) ATTACHED
Governor Calling Breakfast Powwow On Roads; WMPF Says No To Tax Hike (MIRS, 3/3/25) ATTACHED
Donohue Hopeful For A Roads Deal This Year (Gongwer, 2/28/25) ATTACHED
Electric Vehicles
What could the future of EV infrastructure in Michigan? (WXYZ, 3/4/25)
