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Snyder Calls For Better Management Of Infrastructure Projects

SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) In a live interview on WWJ 950, Gov. Rick Snyder said a lack of investment on infrastructure isn't just a Michigan issue, it's a national issue.

The comments came as a commission Snyder appointed after the Flint Water Crisis recommended a $4 billion a year investment in the states' roads, water and power and communication systems.

Snyder said it's not just about getting more money into the system, but also better managing infrastructure projects.

"Couldn't we have saved a lot of money if when we did that road repair we also did the sewer work, we did anything with fiber, we did anything with utilities, and all at once, instead of tearing up the road four times," he said.

Snyder says the commission provided a 30 to 50 year road map of what needs to be done, but he said the funding will have to come from a variety of public and private sources.

It won't happen overnight.

"This isn't like flipping a switch and all of a sudden people are going to pay $4 billion," he said. "This is going to be a combination of federal, state and local resources, it can be user fees, it can be private investment and we'll do this in an incremental fashion and a transparent fashion."

The report ordered by Snyder calls for infrastructure upgrades that include roads, water systems and the power grid. The study said Michigan and its local governments spend less than the U.S. average and in surrounding states.

Snyder, who appointed the commission in the wake of the Flint water crisis, says Michigan's "infrastructure challenges are serious and wide-ranging" and it must "act with urgency."

The 21st Century Infrastructure Commission report includes recommendations for all types of infrastructure systems, including transportation, water and storm water, wastewater treatment and drainage, energy and communications infrastructure.

The commission says as a first step, Michigan should become a "national leader" and create a statewide asset management system.

The report includes more than 100 recommendations to address the state's infrastructure challenges, including:

  • Investing in replacement of aging water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
  • Performing regular assessments and maintenance of Michigan's drinking water, sewer, stormwater, and dam infrastructure systems.
  •  Adopting policies that require self-sufficient and transparent budgets for water, sewer, and stormwater facilities.
  • Developing integrated and sustainable approaches to manage the quantity and quality of stormwater.
  • Revising regulations to provide safe, affordable drinking water and wastewater disposal.
  • Investing in roads and bridges to ensure they are in good or fair condition and our roads, bridges, and culverts are designed to protect public health and strengthen our economy. Michigan's road conditions and intelligent vehicle technology helps achieve our goal of zero deaths on our roads.
  • Meeting the needs of both urban and rural communities by providing a robust transit network.
  • Construction of a new Soo lock to eliminate the potential for long-term loss of 11 million jobs nationally and a $1.1 trillion hit to the U.S. economy.
  • Completing an assessment of aviation needs across Michigan to ensure our system of airports properly supports Michigan's future needs.
  • Maintaining our status as a global leader in intelligent vehicle technology and other emerging technologies.
  • Reexamining existing funding mechanisms and the potential for new funding options to build strong, healthy communities for residents and businesses.
  • Ensure adequate capacity resources are available so that Michigan residents and businesses never experience a massive power outage.
  • Meeting 30 percent of our electric energy needs from the cleanest sources, such as energy efficiency, renewables, and natural gas.
  • Reducing the frequency and duration of electric outages to ensure that customers do not experience significant disruptions in their service.

 

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