According to a report from TRIP ...
FLINT, Mich. – Three transportation projects in Genesee and Saginaw counties – including the reconstruction of Flint’s downtown business loop – are critical to Michigan’s economic rebound, a report released today says.
All three of the projects call for the reconstruction of deteriorating highways and are among the state’s most pressing transportation needs, according to the report, “Top 50 Surface Transportation Projects to Stimulate Michigan’s Economic Recovery.” It was issued by TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization that promotes transportation policies to improve safety, protect the environment and enhance economic productivity.
The projects – ranging from bridge work to mass transit systems and from roads to railroad lines – are vital to get the state’s economy back on track, the report states.
“The physical condition of Michigan’s transportation system will play a significant role in determining how successfully the state’s economy will perform,” said Frank Moretti, TRIP’s director of policy and research. “Investments in transportation today would represent a critically important down payment for a stronger Michigan economy in the years to come.”
As the report points out, much of Michigan’s success in the 20th century came as a result of its top-notch transportation system. But years of neglect and failure to make needed improvements and expansions have taken their toll. Unless Michigan takes quick action to meet its transportation needs, it could become a secondary player in the global economy, the report says.
TRIP ranked the projects based on a scale that provided points for a number of categories, including short-term economic benefits, such as job creation; improvement in the condition of transportation facility, including safety improvements; improved access and mobility; and long-term improvement in regional or state economic performance and competitiveness.
The need for these projects has been identified by local and state transportation agencies and these projects are in various phases of planning and their funding status ranges from being unfunded, partially funded to fully funded. Additional information on the status of each project can be found in the appendix of the report.
Below are the Genesee and Saginaw county projects and how they ranked on the Top 50 list. Where available, the cost of the project and potential job creation are included. (See attached report for full statewide list of projects.)
22. Reconstruct and partially widen 14 miles of heavily traveled I-75 in Saginaw and Genesee counties. The project would help create permanent jobs and improve qualify of life. Cost: $148 million. Jobs: 1,608 construction jobs over the multi-year project.
39. Reconstruction of 10 miles of I-475 from the I-75 south juncture to the north end barrier wall. The downtown business loop, which cuts through the heart of Flint, is in poor condition. The project would provide the local economy with a needed boost. Cost: $112 million. Jobs: 1,217 construction jobs.
40. Reconstruction of 5.5 miles of I-69 from I-75 to Center in Flint. The poor condition of this heavily traveled route hurts the local economy. The highway is an important link for freight, especially international freight. Cost: $70 million. Jobs: 761 construction jobs.
Founded in 1971, TRIP is sponsored by insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers; businesses involved in highway and transit engineering and construction; labor unions; and organizations concerned with providing an efficient and safe surface transportation network. For more information, visit www.tripnet.org.
