Dave at Transit Day 09 Press Conference.jpg (25.99 kb)

Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to speak at a press conference in the Capitol regarding the need for Michigan to increase it's support for public transit today. Here's some excerpts of what I said:


"As we talk about the need for public transit in our state, I think one of the things we should include in that discussion is what kind of Michigan do we want? This is the question that will dare us to dream of a better future and a better Michigan. I can not imagine that there is anyone here who works in this building who does not want a prosperous Michigan.

So where does prosperity happen? It’s happening in communities and places where there are high concentrations of college-educated, talented, and creative people live ... If Michigan is going to create these types of places, both in large and small scales, then we need to also embrace these policies. These policies create:

  • Significant public transit systems of all modes (commuter rail, light rail, bus, etc) and other alternatives to driving.

  • Vibrant downtown's and neighborhoods where people live, work, play, and shop in close proximity. This “walkable urbanism” makes driving a car simply unnecessary.

  • Thriving entertainment and cultural attractions – and various ways to get people to these places.

So how do we get the transit system that we need and the overall transportation system that will support the development of these prosperous places in Michigan? Quite simply, it is time for the Legislature and the Governor to begin their work to implement the Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2) recommendations.

Those recommendations include:
  • Increase Transportation/Funding/Transit Funding.

  • Decrease use of Interdepartmental Grants (IDG’s) from the transportation budget. Afterall, the most efficient use of transportation dollars is to actually use them on transportation projects and not non-transportation functions.

  • Allow Local road agencies the option of levying local transportation taxes to support local transportation projects.

  • Protect those portions of the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) that support local projects (Categories C & D).

  • Protect that portion of the Comprehensive Transportation Fund (CTF) that is not constitutionally protected from being used for the General Fund (i.e. auto related sales taxes).

If we want to have a good system, that level of investment must double … and the only way for that to happen is to have the Legislature act before they leave for the summer … otherwise this will get lost in the battle cries of the 2010 elections. The Michigan Municipal League, the members of the Get Michigan Moving coalition, and the other folks who are up here with me today are urging all of us to send the message to the Legislature that the time to act is now."
FacebookTwitterLinkedInDel.icio.usDigg It!