Page 12 - FOCUS February 2020

The Road
The Road

to a
to a

Better
Better

Region
Region

Everyone agrees “We fixed thousands of potholes, several corridors, neighborhood streets and

sidewalks throughout the city,” wrote Lansing Mayor Andy Schor in a recent

the southside to help prevent sewage from flowing into our rivers. We made
that Michigan’s infrastructure is in bad shape and getting worse by the day. opinion article in the Lansing State Journal. “We also separated sewers on
Whether it is roads and bridges above ground or sewer and water systems significant technology investments, including upgrading our parking garages and
below the surface, the state’s aging infrastructure is crumbling. A 2016 report launching a new parking app and police app.”
commissioned by then-Governor Rick Snyder identified a $4 billion annual
investment gap on addressing infrastructure improvements. As much as local leaders dream for state and federal infrastructure funding, they
also recognize the reality that hopes of sustained economic growth must include
In 2015, state lawmakers adopted a plan to raise $1.2 billion annually with infrastructure investment across the board.
increased gas taxes and fees. More funds were added in 2019. However, most
people agree those funds are not nearly enough. Democratic Governor Gretchen “Every community is going to need to work to invest in infrastructure to make
Whitmer and the Republican-controlled state legislature have been unable to sure we can attract the businesses we need to have in the area,” said Ken Fletcher,
agree on a new funding plan for infrastructure. supervisor, Delta Township.

Beyond the personal unhappiness that Michigan citizens feel about the condition The Greater Lansing region has realized some success in advancing key projects
of the roads, the importance of upgrading infrastructure is widely viewed as critical that have resulted in spurring new development, despite the barriers that make
to economic growth in the state. In recent member surveys, members of the an infrastructure solution seem like wishful thinking. These plans may serve as a
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) have consistently identified model for other high priority infrastructure projects in the region.
infrastructure as one of the top three most pressing issues facing the region.
MICHIGAN AVENUE CORRIDOR: A ROADMAP FOR REGIONAL GROWTH
“Infrastructure is probably the one thing that is holding back our state and our
region,” said Steve Japinga, vice president of public affairs, LRCC. “A lot of our In 2016, the LRCC spearheaded a campaign to urge Lansing city officials to
local roads are in very rough shape, which doesn’t help the overall look and feel make the needed infrastructure improvements along Michigan Avenue. More
of our region.” than 125 businesses, community leaders and residents signed a letter that was sent
to then-Mayor Virgil Bernero and Lansing City Council asking for immediate
In years past, local units of government were able to invest heavily in upgrading action. The result—a $300,000 investment by the city to resurface Michigan
local infrastructure. However, declining state funding and financially strapped Avenue from downtown through the city’s east side. The LRCC and others
local budgets have stripped local communities of much of their available road viewed the investment as crucial to generating new development.
funds. Local government leaders say they are making the limited dollars they
have work as effectively as possible. “More than any other thoroughfare, the Michigan Avenue corridor is the face of

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