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			<title>Email Campaign Archives for list &#039;Legislators&#039;</title>
			<description>Email Campaign Archives for list &#039;Legislators&#039;</description>
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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 11:01:14 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 01:35:55 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 03:53:23 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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			<link>http://www.localroads.net/sendstudio/sendstudionx/display.php?List=3&amp;N=237</link>
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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 10:13:37 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>Road Commissions Put the Brakes on Fatalities</title>
			<description>Road Commissions Put the Brakes on Fatalities</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Thursday 08th 2009f October 2009 12:58:46 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>Road Commissions Put the Brakes on Fatalities</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 8, 2009                                                                           Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   Michigan&#8217;s County Road Commissions Put the Brakes on Fatalities  Lansing, Mich &#8211; In an effort to educate motorists on the importance of traffic safety,  Michigan&#8217;s County Road Commissions are participating in the annual Put the Brakes on  Fatalities Day&reg;, which is slated for October 10, 2009.  Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day&reg; was first held in 2001, with the goal of informing the  public on the major causes of traffic fatalities and their avoidance.  The 2009 theme is  &#8220;Don&#8217;t be Driven to Distraction- Drive to Arrive.&#8221;  Approximately 110 of our fellow citizens are killed in the US every single day- one fatality  every 13 minutes.  Michigan experiences approximately 980 traffic fatalities annually; a  number road commissions would like to see reduced!    &#8220;Participating in this national education campaign allows road commissions to get information to motorists that could reduce these statistics,&#8221; John Niemela, Director of the  County Road Association of Michigan said.  &#8220;Even one traffic related death is too many!&#8221;  Studies show that increased investment in road and bridge improvements at the local level saves lives.  Making road lanes and shoulders wider, adding medians and improving bridges are just a few of the improvements that have been shown to cut fatalities significantly.    The Federal Highway Administration has found that every $100 million invested in highway safety improvements will result in approximately 145 fewer traffic fatalities over a 10-year period.   Despite this fact, transportation funding in Michigan has decreased significantly in recent years.    &#8220;Michigan Transportation Fund revenues have fallen to 1998 levels requiring state and local road agencies to make deep cuts,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;Some of these cuts have a direct impact on the safety of our state and local road and bridge system.  We have county road agencies that are unable to apply for all available federal safety improvement project grants because they do not have the required matching funds.&#8221;  &#8220;County road agencies are doing everything they can to keep roads safe for travel with the level of funding available,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;As transportation revenues continue to decline, motorists must take a more active role in ensuring their safety.  Drivers should ensure that everyone in their vehicle is buckled-up on every trip, that speeds are not excessive for road conditions, and avoid distractions like talking or texting on a cell phone while driving.&#8221;  The level of winter maintenance services across the state decreased in 2008.  Harsh winters and tight budgets forced MDOT and local road agencies to plow less and reduce the amount of salt and other de-icing materials used.   Even with these reductions, state and local road agencies had little funding left for mowing and brush control, an important traffic safety tool to ensure motorists have proper visibility.   &#8220;Across the state, reductions in staff and overtime and the inability to replace aging equipment have made it more difficult for road agencies to plow all roads in a timely manner,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;We now know that talking on a cell phone or texting while driving can be as dangerous as driving drunk.  As we head into winter it is more important than ever for motorists to make a conscious effort to limit distractions and focus on the responsibility of driving.&#8221;   In November 2008, the legislatively approved and gubernatorial appointed Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2) recommended that the legislature increase transportation funding.  Implementing this proposal would allow Michigan road agencies to make safety improvements that could save 174 lives per year!  &#8220;There has been little action in Lansing to increase transportation funding,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;There is so much more we could do to improve the safety of our road system if we had the additional funding.  However, we cannot wait for road improvements to increase safety.  Motorists must become a part of the solution by reducing distractions, not driving while drunk or drowsy, driving appropriate speeds and being patient in work zones or other areas where traffic is slowed.&#8221;  While many factors contribute to deadly motor vehicle traffic crashes, driver behavior plays a major role.  The County Road Association of Michigan and Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies remind you to slow down, buckle up, drive sober &#8211; and at all times, drive as if your life depends on it!  &#8220;Don&#8217;t be Driven to Distraction- Drive to Arrive.&#8221;  The County Road Association of Michigan represents Michigan's 83 county road agencies that together are responsible for more than 75 percent of Michigan roads.  ###  Fact Sheet Attached   
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			<title>Press Release- Real Solutions Needed</title>
			<description>Press Release- Real Solutions Needed</description>
			<author>Monica Ware</author>
			<pubdate>Wednesday 12th 2009f August 2009 10:29:49 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>Press Release- Real Solutions Needed</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 12, 2009                                                                             Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   County Road Association Calls for Real Solutions
 Lansing, Mich. &#8211; Today, the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) lauded House Republicans and members of Michigan&#8217;s Congressional Delegation for recognizing the need for additional transportation funding, but asked them to look beyond the Michigan Department of Transportation&#8217;s (MDOT) inability to match federal aid when seeking solutions.  &#8220;We are pleased that lawmakers have realized a vital statewide transportation infrastructure is key to economic growth and failure to address Michigan&#8217;s crumbling roads and bridges will continue to impede job growth,&#8221; Association Director, John Niemela said.  We don&#8217;t want to rain on the parade, the current discussions are very important, but we must move beyond just looking at temporary fixes for the 8 percent of the road system maintained by MDOT,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;There are 83 counties and 533 cities and villages struggling not just to match federal funding for road projects, but to maintain all of our states roads and bridges.&#8221;  In June, CRAM Director John Niemela told members of the House Transportation Committee that 12 county road commissions have already delayed projects due to a lack of matching funds and at least 21 county road agencies are unable to match all available federal funds between 2010 and 2012.    &#8220;For those counties sacrificing to match federal aid, it comes at a cost,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;County road agencies are responsible for 75 percent of Michigan&#8217;s roads, most of which are ineligible for federal funding.  Road commissions are cutting local road projects and preservation of the current county road system to provide the match for these federal funds.&#8221;  &#8220;Road agencies face difficult decisions between turning away funds to reconstruct roads and applying preservation techniques that will extend the life of existing road surfaces,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;The current funding crisis has put road agencies in a lose/lose situation.&#8221;  &#8220;Lawmakers are struggling to find a short-term solution to a small piece of the puzzle,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;As they do, it is vital that they understand the magnitude of the problem and that potential solutions be realistic given Michigan&#8217;s economic situation.&#8221;    &#8220;In 2007, the Michigan Legislature passed a law creating a Citizens Advisory Committee and Task Force to research Michigan&#8217;s transportation funding needs and make recommendations on how to pay for these needs,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;The task force provided those recommendations to the legislature and since that time they have been largely ignored while our infrastructure continues to decay.&#8221;  The governor&#8217;s Transportation Funding Task Force (TF2) issued its recommendations in October 2008 that Michigan must double transportation funding.  The task force suggested the best way to accomplish this goal was to increase current road user fees, fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees.  &#8220;The Task Force pointed out that we cannot count on federal funds to resolve our transportation funding crisis,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Federal funds can&#8217;t be used to plow snow, patch potholes, or even pay for construction projects on the vast majority of the county road system.&#8221;  A 2008 survey of Michigan's 83 county road agencies revealed: &#8226; 21 counties had reduced bridge and culvert repairs; &#8226; 44 counties had reduced mowing and brush control; &#8226; 47 counties had reduced gravel road maintenance; &#8226; 66 counties had reduced road maintenance, preservation and construction; and &#8226; 25 counties had returned paved roads to gravel due to a lack of funding to properly reconstruct the roads.   &#8220;We simply cannot continue to ignore the elephant in the room- we need to raise the gas tax,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Ignoring the need has created a pothole in Michigan&#8217;s economy and quality of life.  We have finally reached the common ground of establishing that there is a need to increase transportation funding.  Now we just need to roll up our sleeves and look at real solutions that will ensure our states roads and bridges remain open to travel.&#8221;  &#8220;We are grateful that the House Republican budget proposal offers funding for transportation, but we cannot lose site that a $419 Million one-time funding stream does nothing to solve a $3 Billion annual problem,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;It is time once and for all, to find a long-term funding solution.&#8221;   The County Road Association of Michigan represents the interests of Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that maintain more than 90,000 miles of Michigan&#8217;s roads (75 percent of roads in the state) and more than 5,600 bridges- the fourth largest local road system in the nation. 
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			<title>PRESS RELEASE - CRAM Launches Local Roads Matter Campaign</title>
			<description>PRESS RELEASE - CRAM Launches Local Roads Matter Campaign</description>
			<author>Thomas Eldred</author>
			<pubdate>Thursday 09th 2009f July 2009 11:59:01 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>PRESS RELEASE - CRAM Launches Local Roads Matter Campaign</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[







 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director


 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE


  
 For Immediate Release July 9, 2009                                                                              Contact: Monica Ware mware@localroads.net   CRAM Launches &#8216;Local Roads Matter&#8217; Campaign 
  Lansing, Mich. &#8211; In coordination with a nationwide campaign sponsored by the National Association of County Engineers (NACE), the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) has launched a &#8220;Local Roads Matter&#8221; Campaign in Michigan.  The national &#8216;Local Roads Matter&#8217; campaign was initiated to highlight the needs of local road agencies across the nation as the U.S. Congress begins discussions on the reauthorization of the federal highway bill which allocates federal funding to the state.  The current highway authorization SAFETEA-LU is scheduled to expire September 30.  According to NACE, over 75 percent of the roads and bridges in the United States are under local jurisdiction, but national and state transportation funding policies starve them of the resources necessary to maintain a state of good repair and meeting growing mobility needs. Gratiot County Road Commission, Engineer-Manager, Mark A. Craft, P.E. serves as the Secretary-Treasurer for NACE.  &#8220;Our nation&#8217;s local roads are critical to every facet of our lives,&#8221; Craft said. &#8220;Safe and efficient roads and bridges are necessary for economic vitality, to revitalization, to schools, to trade, to healthcare, to business, in times of crisis, to families and to our overall quality of life.&#8221;    &#8220;If Michigan is to deliver the quality local road system necessary to serve our residents and revitalize our economy, we need to increase the amount of federal fuel taxes returned to Michigan,&#8221; Craft said.  &#8220;The financial problems facing Michigan&#8217;s state and local road agencies are compounded by our donor status.&#8221;
 Michigan is considered to be a &#8220;donor&#8221; state, meaning we send more money to Washington in federal fuel taxes collected from state motorists than are returned.  Michigan currently receives approximately $.92 cents of every $1 collected.   &#8220;There is no doubt that Michigan must increase the amount of money we receive from the federal government,&#8221; CRAM Director, John Niemela said. &#8220;Unfortunately, this is only a small part of the puzzle facing Michigan lawmakers.&#8221;  Federal funds typically require a 20 percent match from state or local sources, can only be used to fund projects on certain highly traveled roads, and cannot be spent on maintenance or preservation of the current road system.    &#8220;Without a significant increase in state funding, Michigan roads will continue to deteriorate, even if we receive more money from the federal government,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;The longer we wait to address the crisis facing our state the more it will costs as roads fall from good condition to fair, or from fair to poor.&#8221;  &#8220;County roads are essential to the economy and touch virtually every aspect of our lives,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Every trip begins or ends on a local road.  It is time to address the needs of our state and nation&#8217;s roads and bridges, from the commuter&#8217;s driveway to the interstate and home again.&#8221;   &#8220;We need Michigan residents to call legislators and tell them to make the funding of Michigan&#8217;s transportation infrastructure a priority,&#8221; Niemela said.  The Michigan Transportation Team, a state-wide coalition supporting increased transportation funding, announced a toll-free number for Michigan residents fed-up with the lack of road funding to call and be connected with their legislator.  Residents wishing to speak to their legislator on road funding reforms should call 888-719-3087.  The Local Roads Matter Campaign is designed to educate motorists on the need for additional state and federal transportation revenue.  For more information visit, www.micountyroads.org and click on the &#8216;Local Roads Matter&#8217; icon.  The County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) represents the interests and concerns of Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies, as they seek to provide safe and efficient roads for all who travel in Michigan.  ###  If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, simply click here: Unsubscribe me from this mailing list

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			<title>CORRECTED PRESS RELEASE - Michigan’s County Road Agencies Unable to Match Federal Aid</title>
			<description>CORRECTED PRESS RELEASE - Michigan’s County Road Agencies Unable to Match Federal Aid</description>
			<author>Thomas Eldred</author>
			<pubdate>Thursday 11th 2009f June 2009 04:07:49 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>CORRECTED PRESS RELEASE - Michigan’s County Road Agencies Unable to Match Federal Aid</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release June 11, 2009                                                                              Contact: Monica Ware 517-482-1189, ext 17 mware@localroads.net   
 Michigan&#8217;s County Road Agencies Unable to Match Federal Aid
 
 Lansing, Mich. - County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) Director John Niemela told members of the House Transportation Committee this week that at least 21 county road agencies are unable to match all available federal funds between 2010 and 2012.  In fact, 12 agencies have already delayed projects due to a lack of matching funds.  
  The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced last week that projects will be cut because the agency is unable to match all available federal funds beginning in 2011. 
  &#8220;This is more than just an MDOT problem,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;County road agencies have already delayed projects involving at least $19.5 Million in federal aid.  A survey of our membership revealed that 21 agencies will likely be unable to match approximately $57 Million in federal funding from FY 2010 to FY 2012.&#8221;
  &#8220;The list of counties unable to match federal aid is artificially low,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;This number does not take into account the road agencies that advanced federal funding through the Local Jobs Today Program or those that did not apply for all available funds, because they knew they would not be able to match funds.&#8221;
  Federal funds available to local road agencies are distributed through a series of regional Rural Task Forces (RTF) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO).  Projects are approved on a rotating basis within the task forces.  If one agency is unable to use the funding, it falls to the next eligible agency in the task force.  If all agencies within the RTF or MPO are unable to utilize the funds, they would then revert to MDOT for re-distribution.  
  &#8220;If MDOT is unable to use all available federal aid, and local road agencies are experiencing similar problems with matching fund shortfalls, the probability of funds going back to Washington is much greater,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;The problems don&#8217;t end there.&#8221;
  The County Road Association was careful to point out to legislators that the funding crisis facing Michigan road agencies goes far beyond finding a match to federal aid.
 &#8220;County road agencies are responsible for 75 percent of Michigan&#8217;s roads, most of which are ineligible for federal funding,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;County road agencies are cutting local road projects and preservation of the current county road system to provide the match for these federal funds.&#8221;
  &#8220;Road agencies face difficult decisions between turning away funds to reconstruct roads and applying preservation techniques that will extend the life of existing road surfaces,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;The current funding crisis has put road agencies in a lose/lose situation.&#8221;
  &#8220;It is obvious that what we have now is not working and road conditions will continue to decline until sufficient resources are made available,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;We simply cannot afford to wait.  The long-term problem is the agencies, including MDOT, matching federal aid at the expense of preservation.&#8221;
  The House Transportation Committee also heard warnings from representatives of the Transportation Asset Management Council that we do not have the funds available to do the right fix at the right time to preserve Michigan&#8217;s roads.  Between 2003 and 2008 the condition of our federal aid system went down at a time when Michigan was able to utilize all available federal funds.
  "Declining revenues compounded by rising costs for construction and routine maintenance are severely impacting our ability to implement pavement preservation work according to our asset management plan".  Steve Warren, Deputy Director of the Kent County Road Commission said. &#8220;Without an increase in funding we are projecting a doubling of county primary roads rated in poor condition by 2016.&#8221;
  &#8220;It is crucial that legislators understand we cannot get to our federal aid network without traveling on local roads,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;The inability to match federal aid is just a symptom of a much larger road funding crisis.&#8221;   The County Road Association of Michigan represents the interests of Michigan&#8217;s 83 county road agencies that maintain more than 90,000 miles of Michigan&#8217;s roads (75 percent of roads in the state) and more than 5,600 bridges- the fourth largest local 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>
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			<title>PRESS RELEASE - Constitution Prohibits Parks Plan</title>
			<description>PRESS RELEASE - Constitution Prohibits Parks Plan</description>
			<author>Thomas Eldred</author>
			<pubdate>Thursday 19th 2009f March 2009 08:24:52 AM</pubdate>
			<subject>PRESS RELEASE - Constitution Prohibits Parks Plan</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
  PRESS RELEASE
  
 For Immediate Release March 19, 2009                                                                              Contact: Monica Ware 517-482-1189, ext 17 mware@localroads.net   

 Constitution Prohibits Parks Plan
 
  

 Lansing, Mich. -  As State officials meet to discuss the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget, the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) urges the Legislature to move forward within the confines of Michigan&#8217;s Constitution.
  
 According to CRAM Director, John Niemela, &#8220;Although some of the ideas discussed recently may sound good in theory, I believe they violate the Michigan Constitution and could not be enacted without a vote of the people.&#8221;
  
 Last week, a plan was announced to the media that would change the funding mechanism for Michigan&#8217;s State Parks.  Proponents of the plan would add an optional $10 fee to vehicle registration fees in replacement of the daily or annual passes which currently fund State Parks.
 &#8220;Michigan&#8217;s State Constitution is very clear on this issue,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;The Constitution specifically states that all taxes on registered motor vehicles shall be used exclusively for transportation purposes.&#8221;
  
 Michigan&#8217;s last increase in transportation funding occurred in 1997.  Since that time, revenues to the Michigan Transportation Fund, which includes vehicle registration fees, have fallen below the level of collections in 1998.
 
  

  &#8220;Michigan&#8217;s road agencies are struggling to maintain our transportation network with 2009 costs and less revenue than we had available in 1998,&#8221; Niemela said. &#8220;It is irresponsible to consider increasing vehicle registration fees for anything other than its constitutionally intended purpose, the improvement of Michigan&#8217;s transportation infrastructure.&#8221;
  
 Traditionally, State Parks have been funded with user fees and resources from Michigan&#8217;s General Fund budget.  Michigan&#8217;s roads and bridges are funded solely through the Michigan Transportation Fund (fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees) and have not benefited from General Fund appropriations.  
  
 The Michigan Chamber of Commerce which supports increasing vehicle registration fees for Michigan&#8217;s roads and bridges has called this plan, &#8220;just plain bad public policy,&#8221; and &#8220;an exercise in wishful thinking.&#8221; 
  
 &#8220;There are many good programs that deserve funding, and given the financial difficulties facing our state, some may not be funded,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;We must fund the programs that benefit all Michigan taxpayers.  The tangible things like roads and bridges that will stimulate our economy and bring jobs back to Michigan must be funded at appropriate levels.&#8221;  
  
 &#8220;Michigan&#8217;s transportation user fees (fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees) are constitutionally protected to prevent these funds from being raided for even the best programs,&#8221; Niemela said.  Allowing the diversion of vehicle registration fees for even one program would erode the protections and start a dangerous trend.&#8221; 
  
 &#8220;Parks and transportation each have a unique system of user fees,&#8221; Niemela said.  &#8220;Motorists should not be burdened with increased vehicle registration fees because the General Fund does not have sufficient revenue for Michigan&#8217;s State Parks.  If State Parks need more revenues, they should look at increasing the user fees available to them under current law.&#8221;  
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			<title>Legislative Reception Reminder</title>
			<description>Legislative Reception Reminder</description>
			<author>Thomas Eldred</author>
			<pubdate>Monday 02nd 2009f March 2009 03:39:19 PM</pubdate>
			<subject>Legislative Reception Reminder</subject>
			<content><![CDATA[






 
  
 
 County Road Association of Michigan P.O. Box 12067 ~ Lansing, MI 48901 www.micountyroads.org John D. Niemela, Director
 


 
 
   Legislative Reception Reminder Please join me for the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) Annual Highway Conference, Legislative Reception on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at the West Lansing Hotel and Conference Center (formerly Holiday inn West, just east of the I-96/W. Saginaw interchange).  Hors d&#8217;oeuvres and Refreshments will be served.  
  
  We understand there are several events on this evening, including meetings of our sister association, the Michigan Municipal League.   If your schedule allows, I would be honored if you would stop by to meet with me and representatives of your local county road commission(s).
  
 Ed Noyola, Deputy Director
 County Road Association of Michigan
 417 Seymour, Suite 1
 Lansing, MI 48911
 517-482-1189 
 517-230-7217 cell
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 . 
 Copyright the County Road Association of Michigan 2008. All rights reserved.  P.O. Box 12067, Lansing, MI 48901 Phone (517) 482-1189 - Web www.micountyroads.org 
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