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			<title>Email Campaign Archives for list &#039;external&#039;</title>
			<description>Email Campaign Archives for list &#039;external&#039;</description>
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			<lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:29:58 -0400</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>Legislative Inaction Costs Taxpayers $1.1 Billion</title>
			<description>Legislative Inaction Costs Taxpayers $1.1 Billion</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Wednesday 25th 2010f August 2010 10:53:34 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>Legislative Inaction Costs Taxpayers $1.1 Billion</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release August 25, 2010                                                                         Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   Transportation Report Says Legislative Inaction  Cost Michigan Taxpayers $1.1 Billion in Two Years 
  Lansing, Mich. &#8211; The deterioration of approximately 8,500 miles of roads in Michigan cost taxpayers an additional $1.1 billion in just two years, according to a recent report released by the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT).      The report which was distributed to lawmakers and legislative candidates highlighted the condition of Michigan&#8217;s federal-aid road system, the state&#8217;s most-travelled roads.  The MTT used data from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) to break down the condition of roads, and the cost to taxpayers as a result of legislative inaction, for each legislative district across the state.      &#8220;This is the first time road condition data has been broken down to show the cost of legislative inaction by legislative district,&#8221; County Road Association of Michigan Director John Niemela said.  &#8220;Legislators must understand that ignoring the poor condition of Michigan roads will not make the problem go away. Road conditions negatively impact our economy, quality of life, and have a direct impact on our ability to create and retain jobs.&#8221;     TAMC collects data on the condition of Michigan&#8217;s federal-aid road system.  Road agencies use the data to prioritize road projects to best utilize limited funds.  Road agencies attempt to keep roads from falling to poor condition, where they are at least twice as expensive to repair. Limited funding, however, prevents them from doing all of the necessary preventative maintenance.     In 2008, the TAMC warned legislators that continued deterioration and underfunding had allowed the cost of repairing Michigan&#8217;s federal-aid eligible roads to double from 2004 to 2008, a $3.5 billion loss in road assets and a sign that Michigan roads are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired or replaced.
   &#8220;While planned construction projects are delayed, lawmakers still have not addressed the state&#8217;s inability to match federal transportation aid,&#8221; said Mike Nystrom, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) and co-chair of the MTT.  &#8220;This report should be a wake-up call to legislators as they continue to fail Michigan citizens by ignoring Michigan&#8217;s transportation funding crisis.&#8221;     In 2008, the Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2), an assembly approved by the legislature and the governor, recommended that Michigan at least double its current investment in transportation.        &#8220;We are at the tipping point, where we can&#8217;t afford to bring our road and bridge network back to good condition &#8211; lawmakers must consider what kind of future they want for their district,&#8221; Niemela said.     The reports shared with legislators are available on-line at http://www.micountyroads.org/rdcond.htm.  Michigan residents can voice their concerns about road funding by calling a toll-free number &#8211; 888-719-3087.  Callers simply enter their five-digit ZIP code to be connected, at no cost to them, with their legislator.     The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan&#8217;s transportation infrastructure.  The DriveMI campaign is committed to promoting the development and maintenance of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network that serves the public, private and economic development needs of Michigan.  Please visit www.drivemi.org or www.facebook.com/fixmichiganroads for more information on transportation funding.  Citizens can also follow MTT on twitter @drivemi or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/FixMIRoads .  
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			<title>No More Short-term Solutions</title>
			<description>No More Short-term Solutions</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Tuesday 04th 2010f May 2010 01:32:23 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>No More Short-term Solutions</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release May 4, 2010                                                                           Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   We Cannot Afford Short-term Solutions 
 Lansing, Mich. &#8211; Today, as transportation users from all spectrums descend on Lansing, the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) joins other members of the Michigan Transportation Team in asking the Michigan legislature to immediately enact the comprehensive transportation funding recommendations of the Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2).    The coalition highlighted the critical need to invest in our state&#8217;s transportation infrastructure by bringing motorists and advocates together from the business community, labor, transit, aviation and road users to present more than 5,000 petition signatures in support of increased transportation funding to legislators.  &#8220;It is clear that we have reached a crisis situation,&#8221; CRAM Director John Niemela said, &#8220;Legislators must realize that we cannot afford short-term solutions.  Although this is a difficult issue to address in an election year, short-term solutions will cost more- more jobs, more deterioration, and more to repair our crumbling roads and bridges.&#8221;  While legislation has been introduced to implement the recommendations of the bipartisan TF2, these proposals have not gained momentum.  Instead, proposals to identify one time revenues allowing the state to match federal aid in 2011 are being discussed.    &#8220;We must find a comprehensive solution to our transportation funding crisis that also addresses the needs of the 70 percent of Michigan roads not eligible for federal aid,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Anything less is unacceptable.&#8221;  The County Road Association of Michigan represents Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that are responsible for maintaining 75 percent- nearly 90,000 miles- of Michigan roads.  Seventy-five percent of the county road system- nearly 67,000 miles- is not eligible for federal funding.   
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			<title>National Work Zone Awareness Week</title>
			<description>National Work Zone Awareness Week</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Monday 19th 2010f April 2010 03:50:15 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>National Work Zone Awareness Week</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release April 19, 2010                                                                            CONTACT: Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-619-7963, feltb@michigan.gov Monica Ware, County Road Association of Michigan, 517-482-1189, ext. 17, mware@localroads.net             MDOT and CRAM partner to bring attention to National Work Zone Awareness Week
    April 19, 2010 -- As orange barrels return across the state, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) have joined efforts in recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs through Friday. This year's theme is, "Work Zones Need Our Undivided Attention."       In 2009, there were a total of 5,153 crashes, 1,375 injuries, and 19 fatalities in work zones on state, county, and local roads in Michigan.      "Many of these crashes are preventable," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "We ask that motorists pay attention at all times and drive as if their life depends on it. One fatality is too many."      State and local road agencies urge motorists to unplug from distractions as they enter work zones to keep both motorists and road workers safe.  Studies show that driving while using a cell phone is just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.     "We have reached a point where it is socially unacceptable to drink and drive," said County Road Association of Michigan Director John Niemela. "Our goal is to adopt this same attitude toward distracted driving, especially in work zones."     Across the country, more than 700 people died in work zone crashes in 2009. Four out of every five highway work zone fatalities are drivers and their passengers.      The National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign was initiated in 1999 by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (ASHTO) to build public awareness of work zone safety. A National Work Zone Awareness Week public service announcement is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLc7jL7M6P0.  ###  Construction work zones need your undivided attention. 
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			<title>CRAM Announces New Leadership</title>
			<description>CRAM Announces New Leadership</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Wednesday 17th 2010f March 2010 01:59:22 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>CRAM Announces New Leadership</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release March 17, 2010                                                                             Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   County Road Association of Michigan Announces New Leadership 
 Lansing, Mich. &#8211; Today, The County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) announced new leadership to guide the Association for the 2010-2011 term.  By unanimous decision of the CRAM Board of Directors, John M. Hunt, Huron County Road Commissioner was elected president. 
  Huron County Road Commissioner John M. Hunt  &#8220;I am honored to lead the County Road Association of Michigan at such a pivotal point for Michigan&#8217;s transportation infrastructure,&#8221; Hunt said. &#8220;Our state road and bridge network is in crisis.&#8221;  
 State and local road agencies are struggling with 1998 funding levels while costs for materials have skyrocketed over the same period.  Nearly half of Michigan&#8217;s counties have returned paved roads to gravel because they do not have adequate funding to reconstruct the roads, and Michigan will likely return federal fuel tax dollars to Washington due to a lack of matching funds.
 &#8220;As a road commissioner and small business owner, I understand the challenges facing both.  The solution lies in prioritizing our road and bridge network,&#8221; Hunt said.  &#8220;Michigan&#8217;s county roads are the backbone of our state&#8217;s economy.  They carry our goods to market and our children to school, see us safely to work, and take us through the activities of daily life.  The poor condition of Michigan roads impacts our quality of life."  Hunt will take the helm as CRAM President on April 1, 2010, bringing with him a strong management background and decades of road commission experience.  John took office as a Huron County Road Commissioner on January 1, 1989.    Hunt also serves the Association as an elected member of the County Road Association Self Insurance Fund (CRASIF) Board of Trustees, a group of 74 county road commissions who have joined together since 1978 to provide workers compensation insurance for over 4,000 employees.  He is the owner of J.W. Hunt OTC Inc., a transportation company.
 Other elected officers of the Association include: Cheboygan County Road Commission Engineer/Manager, Luke D. Houlton, P.E., Vice-President; and Kent County Road Commission Managing Director, Jon F. Rice, P.E., Secretary-Treasurer.
 Houlton and Rice also serve Michigan as representatives on the Board of Directors of the National Association of County Engineers (NACE).  Rice is Northeast Region Vice President and Houlton was selected to serve as the Michigan State Director in 2009.
 &#8220;We are privileged to have such a dedicated team leading our Board,&#8221; Association Director, John Niemela said.  &#8220;Their experience and insight will be a tremendous asset to the County Road Association and its members.&#8221;
 The County Road Association of Michigan represents the interest of Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that collectively manage more than 75 percent of all roads in Michigan.  CRAM is an active member of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) - a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan&#8217;s transportation infrastructure.
 For more information on the CRAM Board of Directors of county road commissions, please visit our Web site at www.micountyroads.org.  
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			<title>CRAM Presents Awards</title>
			<description>CRAM Presents Awards</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Tuesday 16th 2010f March 2010 12:25:01 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>CRAM Presents Awards</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release March 16, 2010                                                                              Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   COUNTY ROAD ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS 
  Lansing, Mich. &#8211; Today, the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) announced awards presented at their Annual Highway Conference.  CRAM presented awards for Best Practices, Merit, Distinguished Service, and the CRAMmy Awards recognizing excellence in Public Relations.  Best Practice Award  Best Practice Awards are presented to road commissions for developing programs to make their operations more efficient and cost-effective.  The 2009 Best Practice Award was presented to the Huron County Road Commission for their collaborative efforts to meet the needs of the community while preserving the county road network.   Forced with the challenge of accommodating 100&#8217; long loads as trucks carried in components of 78 turbines to wind farms, HCRC developed creative solutions to mitigate damages to the road system.  &#8220;The road commission used common sense and innovation to face an unprecedented challenge,&#8221; Association Director, John Niemela said. &#8220;Intersections and culverts were modified, language barriers overcome, and the project was completed on schedule.    In order to mitigate damages caused by the heavy loads, two separate bonds were required.  A $25,000 renewable bond was used for road repair and maintenance along the routes.  The routes were inspected daily with damages billed against the bond.  The road commission will hold a separate $100,000 bond for five years to cover any additional damages related to the project.   &#8220;As the Governor&#8217;s Transportation Funding Task Force noted, efficiency has become a standard operating procedure at agencies across the state,&#8221; Niemela said.  The effort of the Huron County Road Commission is another impressive example.&#8221;  CRAMmy Awards for Public Relations   The CRAMmy Awards were designed to share successful communication and public relations techniques among the 83 county road agencies.  They are presented annually to recognize the importance of providing road-related information in unique and memorable ways.   &#8220;We had eleven great submissions this year,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;It is obvious road commissions have prioritized communicating with the public and operating in an open and transparent manner- concepts that should be embraced at all levels of government.&#8221;   The following counties were recognized with CRAMmy Awards: &#8226; Huron County Road Commission- received a CRAMmy for efforts to educate the public on the need to renew their county-wide road millage.  Huron County residents supported the millage renewal by a 75 percent margin. &#8226; Oceana County Road Commission- received a CRAMmy for developing a PowerPoint presentation explaining their winter service operations.  A newsletter summary was distributed to target audiences and a press release sent to communicate what they could and couldn&#8217;t do, the time it takes in relation to requests for assistance, and improve working relationships with other governmental agencies. The education resulted in fewer angry calls and greatly improved inter-agency cooperation. &#8226; Road Commission for Oakland County- received a CRAMmy for efforts to educate local officials and opinion leaders on the serious nature of the funding crisis. RCOC created a six-page brochure that spells out the funding situation facing Oakland County roads.  The crisp, clear format resulted in something that had not happen in the past- people not only read the document, they requested additional copies.   &#8226; Van Buren County Road Commission- received two CRAMmy Awards.  The first was for their efforts to communicate with county residents using social media.  The road commission uses Facebook to update residents on the status of projects and crews.  More than 400 people now follow the road commission&#8217;s activities on Facebook.   They received a second CRAMmy for their publication, Transportation Partners, designed to educate local and state officials on the duties of the road commission, and the townships&#8217; role in establishing and maintaining a safe and efficient road system.    Distinguished Service Awards  The Distinguished Service Award is presented to those who have dedicated their time and service to the advancement of the county road system.   Ron Wohlford, Wexford County Road Commission Finance Director, and Jerry Byrne, Director of Maintenance and Local Construction for the Kent County Road Commission were recognized for their key role in the negotiation of the three most recent State Trunkline Maintenance Contracts.   &#8220;Sixty-five counties are under contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to maintain the state trunkline,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Wohlford and Byrne have worked diligently to ensure a fair deal for contract counties that provides the best possible level of service to Michigan residents with the revenues available.  This task has become much more difficult in recent years as costs of salt, fuel and other materials have skyrocketed while revenues continue to decline.&#8221;
 Merit Awards  Merit Awards recognize the volunteer efforts of CRAM members who dedicate considerable time and effort to provide educational opportunities for the membership.    The following individuals received Merit Awards: &#8226; Robert Peterson, Director of Engineering, Ingham County Road Commission was recognized for his leadership as chair of the CRAM Engineering Committee; &#8226; Brian Wendling, Managing Director of the Saginaw County Road Commission was recognized for his leadership as chair of the 2009 Superintendent&#8217;s Seminar; and &#8226; Michele Zawerucha, County Highway Engineer, Tuscola County Road Commission was recognized for her leadership role in organizing the 2009 Engineers&#8217; Workshop.  &#8220;The volunteer efforts of these leaders are essential to the educational mission of our Association,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;They deserve our heartfelt thanks for their service to our state.&#8221;
 The County Road Association of Michigan represents the interests of Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that collectively manage more than 75 percent of all roads in Michigan.  For more information on Michigan&#8217;s county road commissions, please visit our Web site at www.micountyroads.org.
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			<title>Seasonal Weight Restrictions Enacted</title>
			<description>Seasonal Weight Restrictions Enacted</description>
			<author>Thomas Eldred</author>
			<pubdate>Monday 22nd 2010f February 2010 01:11:54 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>Seasonal Weight Restrictions Enacted</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Feb. 22, 2010  Contact: Monica Ware, Public Relations Specialist E-mail: mware@localroads.net   Seasonal Weight Restrictions Return 
 County Road Association of Michigan Offers Web site to Check for Local Restrictions  Lansing, Mich. &#8211; The County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) announced today that counties are beginning to enact seasonal weight restrictions.       Just like the annual ritual to determine if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, the return of seasonal weight restrictions is an indication that spring is coming to Michigan.        "Even with weight restrictions our roads are taking a big hit each year," Association Director, John Niemela said.  "Michigan's county road agencies are working to improve roads to accommodate commercial vehicles, but increasing costs and declining revenues delay these costly improvements."       The enforcement of seasonal weight restrictions, commonly known as frost laws, is vital to minimizing damage to Michigan's local road system.  On average road commission weight restrictions last 5 to 6 weeks, between March and May.        By law, Michigan&#8217;s state and local road agencies may enact seasonal weight restrictions when ever conditions warrant.  Weight restrictions are traditionally enacted each spring to minimize road damage caused by even legal load limit commercial vehicles during the freeze-thaw cycle of spring.      As the ground thaws, water is forced toward the surface exerting pressure under the pavement.  This causes weak spots in the pavement and makes the road surface more prone to damage.  The heavier the vehicle, the greater the probability of causing harm to roads.  During the weight restriction period, trucks traveling on "posted/restricted" roads must carry lighter loads (legal load limit reduced by 25 to 35 percent) and travel at slower speeds.        CRAM offers a convenient Web resource for information on all county seasonal weight restrictions, simply visit www.micountyroads.org and click "seasonal weight restrictions."       Most northern states and all Canadian Provinces allow road agencies to impose seasonal weight restrictions.  The CRAM Web site is continually kept updated as counties change their restrictions and provides commercial truck operators the information they need to comply with these temporary restrictions.      The County Road Association of Michigan represents the state&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that are responsible for 75 percent of Michigan&#8217;s road system, representing more than 90,000 miles of roads and 5,600 bridges- the fourth largest local road system in the nation.  
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			<title>2010 State of County Roads</title>
			<description>2010 State of County Roads</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Tuesday 02nd 2010f February 2010 09:59:54 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>2010 State of County Roads</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release February 2, 2010                                                                             Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   Returning to the Stone Age County Road Agencies in Michigan Suffer from Lack of Funding  
 Lansing, Mich-- The County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) today announced the results of their annual survey to determine the state of Michigan&#8217;s crumbling county road and bridge network.  Over the past three years, the number of county road agencies returning paved roads to gravel has more than tripled.       Thirty eight counties have now returned more than 100 miles of paved roads to gravel; approximately 35 miles in 2009 alone.  Results indicate that by 2010, half of Michigan&#8217;s county road agencies will be faced with the decision of moving backward to maintain their infrastructure.      &#8220;As Michigan pauses to assess the condition of our great state, lawmakers must consider the condition of our long-neglected transportation infrastructure,&#8221; Association Director, John Niemela said. &#8220;Last year, newspaper headlines hailed the return to the stone age.  This is exactly what we have seen in recent years.&#8221;      In 2007, CRAM first announced that county road agencies were returning paved roads to gravel because they did not have sufficient revenues to reconstruct the roads.   By 2008, 25 road commissions had returned an estimated 50 miles of paved roads to gravel.  The results of CRAM&#8217;s recent survey reveal the further deterioration of Michigan&#8217;s county road system.      When paved roads crumble to the point they are no longer safe for motorists to travel and there is not enough funding available for reconstruction, road agencies put public safety first even if it means returning paved roads to gravel.       &#8220;MTF revenues have fallen to 1998 levels while construction costs over the past decade have skyrocketed,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;County road agencies have reached the point where they can no longer afford to patch roads that have failed until funding becomes available for reconstruction.  Resources are better spent investing in capital preventive maintenance (CPM) to extend the life of road surfaces.&#8221;            When adequately funded, preventive maintenance helps to extend the life of roads in good condition by applying lower cost treatments at the appropriate time. This slows the rate of deterioration and yields long-term savings.        &#8220;It really is a pay now, or pay more later scenario,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;The longer we continue to underfund our road and bridge network, the more it will cost to bring our transportation infrastructure back to good condition.&#8221;      &#8220;The pulverization of roads in Michigan has made national headlines several times in the past year.  It is a graphic image that should serve as a wake-up call to legislators, but is by no means the only startling news,&#8221; Niemela said.      Over the past three years, 79 county road agencies have reduced maintenance, preservation, or construction programs; 77 have reduced or eliminated maintenance or replacement activities on hard surface roads; 68 have reduced or eliminated gravel road maintenance; 63 have reduced or eliminated roadside mowing and brush control; 49 counties reduced or eliminated bridge/culvert replacements; and levels of service have been reduced statewide for winter maintenance.        The survey also showed that the worst is not behind us.  In 2010, 65 counties plan to delay necessary capital preventive maintenance due to a lack of funding; 54 anticipate reductions of traffic safety measures such as re-striping roads or replacing signs and guardrail; and 45 counties plan to delay a local road or bridge project which could have a negative impact on communities and local businesses.      &#8220;Legislation to increase transportation funding has been introduced in both the Michigan House and Senate,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;The time for action is now.  The longer we wait, the more expensive the solution will be.  Inaction is costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars annually in the deterioration of our road network.  Michigan voters deserve better.&#8221;      &#8220;Investing in highway, road and bridge funding is the long-term economic stimulus Michigan needs.  It is Asset Management 101- The right fix, at the right time, will yield long-term savings.&#8221;      CRAM represents Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies and is part of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT), a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens with the common goal of improving Michigan&#8217;s transportation infrastructure.  For the past three years CRAM has surveyed county road agencies to determine the impact of decreased Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) revenues and skyrocketing costs on our county road system.  Survey results available at http://www.micountyroads.org/PDF/2010_Survey_Compare.pdf 
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			<title>Transportation Funding Bills Introduced</title>
			<description>Transportation Funding Bills Introduced</description>
			<author>Thomas Eldred</author>
			<pubdate>Wednesday 27th 2010f January 2010 12:11:35 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>Transportation Funding Bills Introduced</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
   Legislative Alert  TO: ALL COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONS AND COMMISSIONERS   FROM: JOHN D. NIEMELA, DIRECTOR
 DATE: JANUARY 26, 2010  SUBJ:  TRANSPORTATION FUNDING LEGISLATION INTRODUCED 
  A bi-partisan package of three bills was introduced by State Reps. Dick Ball (R-Shiawassee) and Pam Byrnes (D-Washtenaw).  A brief description of each bill follows to help you answer questions from the media or residents.
  
 House Bill 5768 - Amends the Motor fuel tax act which contains both the gasoline tax and the diesel fuel tax paid by passenger vehicles;
 &middot;         Increases the gasoline tax by $.04 cents per gallon (.19 to .23) effective March 1, 2010;
 &middot;         Increases the gasoline tax by $.04 cents per gallon (.23 to .27) effective January 1, 2013;
 &middot;         Increases the diesel fuel tax by $.06 cents per gallon (.15 to .21) effective March 1, 2010;
 &middot;         Increases the diesel fuel tax by $.06 cents per gallon (.21 to .27) effective January 1, 2013; and
 &middot;         Removes language creating ethanol and bio-diesel tax credits.
  
 House Bill 5769 - Amends the Motor carrier fuel tax act which regulates commercial vehicles;
 &middot;         Increases the diesel fuel tax by $.06 cents per gallon (.15 to .21) effective March 1, 2010; and
 &middot;         Increases the diesel fuel tax by $.06 cents per gallon (.21 to .27) effective January 1, 2013.
  
 House Bill 5770 - Amends Public Act 51 of 1951;    
 &middot;         Creates the Transportation Investment Fund establishing the method for distribution of the new funding as follows:
 &middot;         10 percent off the top to Comprehensive Transportation Fund;
 &middot;         Remaining revenues are dedicated to a newly formed Transportation Investment Fund within the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) and distributed according to the current formula (39.1 percent to counties);
 &middot;         The purpose of the Transportation Investment Fund is to ensure the new funds are not subject to diversions.  The legislation states that collection expenses must be paid from other MTF revenues. 
 &middot;         MDOT will be required to annually compile a complete written accounting of all disbursements from the Transportation Investment Fund. This would be reported to the legislation within 30 days of the end of the fiscal year;
 &middot;         Creates a five-member Fuel Tax Restructuring Commission to study and recommend long term replacements to the current fuel tax structure.
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			<title>MDOT and CRAM remind motorists- Don&#039;t Crowd the Plow</title>
			<description>MDOT and CRAM remind motorists- Don&#039;t Crowd the Plow</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Thursday 03rd 2009f December 2009 10:14:10 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>MDOT and CRAM remind motorists- Don&#039;t Crowd the Plow</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release December 3, 2009                                                                              CONTACT:  Bob Felt, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-335-2478 Monica Ware, County Road Association of Michigan, 517-482-1189, ext. 17   
 MDOT and CRAM remind motorists:  "Don't Crowd the Plow!"  
 Lansing, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) today announced a joint-education effort aimed at urging motorists to remember good driving habits in winter weather conditions that will make the roadways safer. MDOT and CRAM will use the familiar safety slogan again this year, "Don't Crowd the Plow!"     "Road crews put their lives on the line every day to keep Michigan roads safe for everyone," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Motorists must remember to drive with caution no matter how much salt we use or how often the roads area plowed."   A steady decrease in road funding and an increase in costs have caused state and local agencies to alter their winter maintenance plans. Drivers have been put on notice that plowing priorities and the use of less salt will make their job even more important than in years past. Road crews must have ample room in order to safely clear the many miles of roadway of snow and ice.   "Motorists must do their best to minimize distractions and focus on driving and changes in road conditions," John Niemela, CRAM director, said. "Every year, despite the flashing lights, poor driver behavior near snowplows leads to collisions that can be deadly."  MDOT and CRAM offer the following reminders for motorists: &#8226; Snowplows have limited visibility and drivers cannot see directly behind their trucks; &#8226; Snowplows often throw up snow clouds, reducing visibility on all sides of the truck; &#8226; Motorists should never attempt to pass a moving snowplow on the right. With new, wing-plow technology, the blade can clear the shoulder and the lane of travel simultaneously. Motorists attempting an illegal pass through a snow cloud on the right and/or shoulder of the road most likely won't see the plow blade and run the risk of a serious crash; and &#8226; Always wear your safety belt and allow extra time to reach your destinations this winter.   Steudle added, "For the safety of everyone, motorists should use extreme caution when traveling in winter weather conditions. We can't emphasize this enough: Don't Crowd the Plow!"  ###   Remember &#8211; in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow! 
 Photos and safety tips are available at www.micountyroads.org/winter.htm
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			<link>http://www.localroads.net/sendstudio/sendstudionx/display.php?List=2&amp;N=197</link>
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				<item>
			<title>Shake Your Mailbox Day</title>
			<description>Shake Your Mailbox Day</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Thursday 15th 2009f October 2009 09:20:16 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>Shake Your Mailbox Day</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 517.482.1189 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release October 15, 2009                                                                              Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   
 ROAD COMMISSIONS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO SHAKE YOUR MAILBOX
 Lansing, Mich. &#8211; As leaves change to brilliant hues and mornings begin with a heavy frost, Michigan&#8217;s County Road Commissions are asking state residents to prepare for winter by shaking their mailbox.  
 Gov. Jennifer Granholm has officially proclaimed Saturday, Oct. 24 as &#8216;Shake Your Mailbox Day&#8217; in Michigan.  Shake Your Mailbox Day is a joint effort on the part of  road commissions and the U.S. Postal Service.
 &#8220;What started out as an innovative idea in one northern county is now a statewide endeavor,&#8221; said John Niemela, County Road Association of Michigan Director. &#8220;Many homeowners have started the practice of changing batteries in smoke detectors when clocks are changed for daylight savings time.  In the same manner, our goal is to encourage homeowners to make time each fall to prepare their mailbox for winter.&#8221;
 Record snow falls in recent winters have led to an increase in the number of mailboxes damaged by heavy snow thrown from passing plows.  This creates a frustrating situation for homeowners unable to receive their mail and the road agencies blamed for the inconvenience.  
 &#8220;Road Commissions across the state are implementing local campaigns to inform residents of the need to prepare mailboxes to withstand winter snow removal operations,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Many of the mailboxes damaged by thrown snow have become loose after years of use.  Damage to these posts and receptacles could have been prevented by proper routine maintenance.
 &#8220;If the mailbox moves when shaken, this is likely an indication the mailbox and/or post may not be able to withstand standard snow removal operations and should be repaired or replaced prior to the onset of winter,&#8221; Niemela said.
 CRAM and the U.S. Postal Service are reminding Michigan residents that this is also a good time to replace loose hinges on the mailbox door and to replace or add reflective house numbers to allow postal workers and emergency responders to easily find your home.  
 Mailboxes are one of the only objects allowed by law to be placed in the road right-of-way. The location and construction of mailboxes must conform to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Postal Service and standards established by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in &#8220;A Guide for Erecting Mailboxes on Highways.&#8221;  If residents have questions on what is allowed, they should contact their county road commission.
 The County Road Association of Michigan represents Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that collectively maintain more than 75 percent of Michigan roads and over 5,600 bridges, the third largest county road system in the nation.
 ###   If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, simply click here: Unsubscribe me from this mailing list]]></content>
			<link>http://www.localroads.net/sendstudio/sendstudionx/display.php?List=2&amp;N=182</link>
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