Poll shows support for investment in roads

Published 7:48 am Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By Staff
LANSING – Nearly three fourths of Michigan taxpayers are calling on the state government to invest in Michigan's crumbling roads, according to the results of a recent poll.
The latest Marketing Resource Group (MRG) poll found 70 percent of respondents say it is necessary to invest in Michigan's transportation infrastructure and spend more money on roads.
Half of those polled – 50 percent – would also be willing to pay an additional $5 to $10 a month to fix Michigan's roads and bridges to keep drivers safe, as long as they knew the money was guaranteed to specifically fund transportation projects.
"These numbers show it is time for Michigan's Legislature to act," said Mike Nystrom, vice president of government and public relations for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation System (MITA). "Our infrastructure is crumbling and Michigan taxpayers no longer will settle for pothole-riddled roads and unsafe bridges, they want an investment in our roads."
The MRG poll also shows that 78 percent of respondents feel that the current state of Michigan's roads are in poor/bad condition – with only 5 percent stating Michigan's roads were in good condition and 0 percent stating they were in excellent condition.
"Drivers across the state are feeling the effects due to the lack of transportation funding with every pothole they inevitably run over," said Nystrom.
"This is the worst pothole season we have ever had and it is taking its toll on Michigan drivers. They are fed up."
Additionally, the poll showed 80 percent of respondents agreed that fixing Michigan's crumbling roads and maintaining a safe transportation system would help bring jobs to Michigan and revive the struggling economy.
"While the stimulus money out of Washington has been helpful, it doesn't begin to address the full extent of the funding gap," said Nystrom.
"The time is now to make a sound investment in Michigan's transportation system. If adequate long-term road funding is truly a priority then the state Legislature must act now – before our roads become impassable."
MITA represents a broad spectrum of highway construction companies and suppliers that help build a better Michigan infrastructure from the bottom up.
MITA has been a leading voice for securing adequate transportation funding at the federal and state levels.