History Channel documents Michigan roads in 'Crumbling of America'

Posted: 08.27.2009 at 9:39 AM

History Channel producers looking for evidence of the nation’s crumbling roads and bridges found everything they needed right here in Michigan.

Now Michigan lawmakers have their own personal copies of the TV documentary, “The Crumbling of America,” which were delivered to legislative offices Wednesday.

The documentary explores the condition of the nation’s highways, bridges, water and sewage systems, and was first broadcast June 22. It will be rebroadcast on Monday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. and on Sept. 1 at midnight.

With more than 450 Michigan bridges classified “structurally deficient” and more than 880 bridges classified “functionally obsolete,” crews filmed significant portions of Michigan roadways for the program back in April.

“We hope Michigan legislators will view the program as a wake-up call,” said Mike Nystrom, vice president of government and public relations for the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA), co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT).

“Our deteriorating infrastructure has gained national attention, yet Michigan has continually neglected to make an investment to fix our transportation revenue system.”

Lawmakers received personal copies of the DVD that featured a quote from the writer of the show:

Writer Henry SCHIPPER commenting on his History Channel documentary "The Crumbling of America," a production on the state of the country's infrastructure.

“It’s no surprise that Michigan was selected to highlight the dangers a crumbling transportation infrastructure poses,” Nystrom said. “If Michigan is to have a strong, viable future, we need our roadways to get us there. We must fix Michigan’s roads now!”

The Michigan Legislature is exploring bills that would increase road funding over the next five years. The plan is expected to yield an additional $1.8 billion in transportation revenue per year.

MTT has set up a toll free number allowing Michigan residents to voice their concerns about road funding. By dialing 888-719-3087, callers will only have to enter their five digit zip code to be connected with their legislator at no cost to them.

MTT is a broad-based, bipartisan partnership of business, labor, local government, associations and citizens linked with the common goal of improving Michigan’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 for more information on transportation funding or follow them on twitter@drivemi or YouTube.