Rob Coppersmith, executive vice president of the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA), issued the following statement following Governor Whitmer’s 2025 State of the State address:
“It’s time for urgent action to fund and fix Michigan roads. The state is barreling toward a road funding cliff at the end of this year, and we have two road funding plans up for consideration in Lansing that would save thousands of construction jobs while making our roads and bridges safe. This is a critical moment for our state, as inaction from Michigan’s leaders is not an option.
“Michigan’s current road crisis is the result of decades of underfunding. The failure to implement a long-term funding plan threatens thousands of critical construction jobs while putting drivers at risk of paying even more for car repairs due to the crumbling roads in their communities. At the end of 2025, funds from the governor’s bonding program and the boost in federal infrastructure investment will disappear. The state is already faced with a $3.9 billion infrastructure investment gap that grows as road conditions worsen and inflation increases. As construction companies face the prospect of laying off thousands of workers, many of whom are just beginning their careers and receiving employment benefits like healthcare for the first time, all eyes are turning to Lansing for needed action from Michigan’s leaders.
“Safe, reliable roads and bridges are critical to Michigan’s economy and growth. It’s time for Michigan’s leaders to work together and get the job done. Michigan cannot afford to wait any longer. We urge all sides in Lansing to come together quickly to pass a plan that saves thousands of jobs and puts Michigan back on the right track.”