July 27, 2007

LANSING - In her weekly radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today looked forward to a celebration this weekend that will mark 50 years since the opening of the Mackinac Bridge.  Granholm pointed to the bridge as a prime example of Michigan's ingenuity in the face of economic challenges, a quality that will help the state compete and win in the global economy.

"The bridge was an enormous challenge at a critical juncture in Michigan's history," Granholm said.  "Despite initial skepticism, which persisted even after the span was completed, the bridge proved to be a smart investment, and became a symbol of Michigan's strength and ingenuity."

The governor will attend celebrations for the Mackinac Bridge on Saturday, July 28.  The bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1957.  By connecting the state's upper and lower peninsulas, the Mackinac Bridge created a well-traversed transportation artery for commerce and tourism.

Drawing a parallel to the economic challenges that Michigan currently faces, Granholm said the state's response to globalization and outsourcing requires the same spirit of innovation and ingenuity that led to the building of the Mackinac Bridge.  While the state has been at the forefront of innovation in the auto industry for a century, Granholm's comprehensive economic plan is focused on diversifying and growing jobs in new, cutting edge industries.  Michigan's automotive heritage and ability to attract leading businesses in the alternative energy and biofuel industries gives the state the opportunity to break our nation's dependence on foreign oil. 

"Just as our state undertook more than 50 years ago to do something that no one else in the world had done, we have undertaken our own immense challenge today," Granholm said.  "We're transforming our economy into a diverse, vibrant, 21st century powerhouse that has thriving alternative energy businesses, advanced manufacturing firms, life sciences facilities and homeland security companies."

The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state.  The address is available on the governor's web site (http://www.michigan.gov/gov) for download and as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers.  The text of today's address is attached.

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