Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Michigan will receive approximately $847 million in highway and bridge funding, according to the Associated General Contractors (AGC). The state will also receive approximately $168 million for wastewater projects. This is welcome news for our industry and Michigan citizens who depend on the state’s infrastructure. Another breakdown by urban areas in the state shows how much highway funding urbanized areas with over 200,000 in population will receive. Detroit will receive approximately $100 million in funding under the legislation; Grand Rapids will receive approximately $14 million; Flint will receive approximately $9 million; Lansing will receive approximately $8 million; and Ann Arbor will receive approximately $7 million. For all infrastructure investment in the legislation, the goal is for 50 percent of the funds to go to projects that can begin no later than 120 days after the date of the bill’s enactment. All projects funded under ARRA must be either under contract or under construction within 12 months of the date of enactment of the legislation. AGC has provided an analysis of the economic impact of stimulus investment in Michigan. The numbers speak for themselves. Investment in Michigan’s infrastructure will make a significant impact on the state’s economy and will put our crumbling infrastructure in good condition. The stimulus legislation is only temporary funding meant to stimulate the economy, but it is surely needed and welcome. We still need a more permanent fix for our infrastructure funding problem. That’s something that our elected leaders need to deal with in short order. Our elected representatives in Lansing should not become complacent with the stimulus money coming from Washington, D.C. They still need to fulfill their responsibilities to adequately fund infrastructure in this state. Efforts to increase transportation funding in Michigan failed in 2008 and those efforts have been renewed with the new state legislature this year. Many new legislators will have to be educated about transportation funding needs. The Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) has been a leader in this effort. It’s time for the state legislature and the governor to step up to the plate and make things happen.