Just as new numbers show ridership up significantly on Amtrak, Appropriations members in the Michigan House and Senate have dealt a blow to those in Michigan hoping for additional transportation options by reducing funding for public transit and stripping incentives for communities that adopt Complete Streets policies.
The recommendations, which go against what the Governor originally proposed, would reduce public transportation funding by 8 to 10 percent. To add insult to injury the House also stripped language providing incentives for those communities that adopt Complete Streets Policies. Michigan has more communities with Complete Streets policies or ordinances than any other state.
Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to restore funding to the Governor's proposal and to ensure that Complete Streets incentive language is included in the final bill.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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