In January, Governor Snyder created the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission. The members of this commission are charged with “identifying strategic best practices to modernize the state’s transportation, water and sewer, energy, and communications infrastructure over the next 30-50 years.”
On September 23, I had the opportunity to share SEMCOG’s findings on this critical issue at the Southeast Michigan stop on the Commission’s Listening Tour. As you are probably aware, the future of our region’s infrastructure is near and dear to all of us at SEMCOG. The quality and safety of our drinking water, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, roads, bridges, and transit are all dependent on our infrastructure. It is the foundation of our health and prosperity, and a core component of our regional planning and coordination efforts.
In opinion polls, we have heard from residents of Southeast Michigan and learned that:
- The vast majority feel our infrastructure is deteriorating;
- They do not believe that current funding methods will work in the future;
- More than two-thirds believe more funding is needed and that it must be used more efficiently;
- Most are willing to take personal actions to reduce costs; and
- A vast majority agree that investing more in maintaining our infrastructure will save money in the long run.
Based on this input and lessons learned from our experience working with government agencies and service providers throughout the region, it is clear that the following factors will positively impact the future of our infrastructure:
- Solid data: An integrated data collection and asset management approach for all public infrastructure will help ensure that revenues are invested as efficiently as possible.
- More investment: While improved efficiency and cost reductions are important, additional revenues will be needed for public infrastructure to improve.
- Effective coordination: Local governments and utility providers must work together to share information on investments. A two-way exchange is necessary to avoid redundancies and conflicts.
The 21st Century Infrastructure Commission has undertaken a critical task. The health and prosperity of our state and the Southeast Michigan region are at stake. I encourage you to participate in the discussion.
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