April 28, 2004

LANSING -- As Congress debates a third temporary extension of federal transportation law, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is joining with 16 other governors in asking President Bush to break the logjam by reversing his opposition to a six-year funding bill that spends the dollars needed for Michigan to make significant highway and transit improvements.
 
Specifically, the governors are asking the President to reconsider his position on the TEA-21 federal transportation reauthorization bill and agree to support the $318 billion for transportation approved by the U.S. Senate.  Until agreement is reached on a six-year funding figure, Congress must extend the current federal transportation law known as TEA 21.  The current extension expires on Friday.

“Those of us in the states understand that our infrastructure needs are immense and immediate,” Granholm said today.  “State and local governments depend on a strong federal partnership, and economic growth depends on robust infrastructure investment.  That is why we are asking the President for consideration.”

The governors said that the funding would not only improve highway and transit infrastructure but would also support thousands of jobs in the process.  In addition, the Senate’s funding level is achievable without higher federal gas taxes or increasing the federal deficit.
 
Under current law, Michigan receives an average of 88 cents back on every dollar sent to Washington in gasoline taxes.  The Senate’s bill would meet Michigan’s goal of receiving 95 cents for every dollar sent to Washington.  Unfortunately, veto threats over total transportation funding resulted in the House of Representatives passing a bill that barely keeps pace with inflation over the next six years.
 
“Drivers and transit passengers across the nation, including those here in Michigan, deserve better roads and infrastructure, and I hope the President will work with Congress to sign a bill that supports economic growth and gives Michigan our full slice of the funding pie.”