Governor Snyder Releases Details on Transportation Funding 
Last week Governor Snyder presented his 2014 budget recommendations. Within his budget he is calling for an increase of $1.2 billion annually in new funding for transportation. He has proposed raising the majority of these funds by increasing the gas tax and raising registration fees. The details from his budget plan are as follows...
The gasoline tax would be increased from 19 cents to 33 cents. The four cents a gallon disparity between the gasoline tax and diesel tax would be eliminated and diesel fuel would be taxed at 33 cents. This tax would be placed on the wholesale price and would allow for some inflation adjustments starting in 2016. This is expected to bring in $727.7 million in new revenue in 2014. <MORE>
State
Affairs Update
Ne w Committee Formed to Handle Transportation Funding Issues -- Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville has created a new committee in the Senate. The Infrastucture Modernization Committee will be chaired by Senator Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) and will be in charge of looking at ways to infuse over a billion dollars annually into Michigan's transportation budget. The other members are Senators Darwin Booher (R-Evart), Mark Jansen (R-Gains Twp.), Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Twp.), Morris Hood (D-Detroit) and Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor).
PPT Calculation Spreadsheet Available
League Members, Others Hear Governor Snyder's Transportation Plan
MSHDA Launches MI Neighborhood Program, Applications Due March 22
National Brownfield Association Program on Brownfield Issues Being Held Feb 21, Register Today!
Step Forward Michigan Now Accepting Homeowner Applications for Loan Rescue
2013 PASER Training Announced
Federal Update
Rhetoric on Federal Sequestration Cuts Picking Up As Deadline Looms -- The March 1 deadline for major federals pending  cuts which was enabled to avoid the fiscal cliff on January 1 is now fast approaching. The cuts total $85 billion and would mostly impact defense spending, but would also cut programs throughout the federal budget. The House has stated this week that they will not pass legislation to delay the cuts. Meanwhile, President Obama has demanded Congress pass a delay to avoid the economic impact of the cuts taking place, which was documented in a report from the Congressional Budget Office. The League has been communicating that we support a thought out, balanced approach when it comes to federal budget cuts, rather than an across the board style reduction.
Federal Budget Deficit Shrinks Short Term, Long Term Problems Ensue
Transportation Alternatives Grant Program
US Department of Transportation Seeking Local Feedback on National Environmental Policy Act
MAP-21 Resources Available
21st Century Communities
From Food Card to Brick and Mortar -- You may h ave heard by now that food carts are all the buzz in some cities across the country. The one that probably takes the cake is Portland, OR, with over 500 scattered throughout the city. But a little bit of this craze is coming to Michigan and for good reason.
Mark’s Carts was the first true stationary “food cart pod” (a grouping of food carts) in Michigan, opening two years ago in Ann Arbor. With eight individually owned food carts serving a diverse array of food from early spring to late fall, it has proven to be a magnet for townies, the business community, and students who want to enjoy delicious local food and an informal outdoor communal seating experience. <MORE>
Big Rapids, Ferris State University Joined at the Hip
Residential Development in the 21st Century
Age Friendly Communities Conference
Citizens Institute on Rural Design Seeks Proposals
Applications for the MI Historic Preservation Network 2013 Awards Now Available
The Fund Book - Free Federal Funding Resource |
