For the past two years, the Michigan Department of Transportation has been working on creating a state long-range transportation plan.
This plan "sets forth the decision principles that will be the foundation of our transportation investments (from 2005-2030) and provides strategies that will advance that vision." MDOT’s final draft report is available for public comment.
I strongly urge everyone to review and comment on this plan at the MDOT website.
During numerous public comment opportunities, MDOT heard that the people of Michigan do not want more of the same – we want new investments in public transit! While this final draft report talks about the importance of multi-modal choices – a big improvement over plans of the past – its proposed investment strategy shows something quite different.
Over the next 25 years, the plan recommends Michigan spend over $3.5 billion on more highway expansion and just $0.5 billion on expanding bus service, train service, new rapid transit, carpooling, bike paths and pedestrian needs combined.
This plan takes some important steps towards providing transportation choices, but Michigan can’t wait for 25 more years of baby steps. We need major leaps forward if Michigan is to compete in the 21st century.
Again, I strongly urge everyone to review and comment on their plan at the MDOT website.
Please also encourage your friends and family to do the same. Comments are must be in by May 14.