Support Public Transit in Michigan?  Call your state legislator to let them know

On Tuesday, September 23 at 11am, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan Municipal League and others will hold a news conference to urge the state Legislature to pass House Bill 6114

House Bill 6114 will spark public and private investment in new public transit systems in Detroit and Grand Rapids. The bill creates zones near transit stations in which future increases in property taxes could be used to finance transit operations and redevelopment.

Show your support for Public Transit

Please call your state legislators starting Tuesday afternoon, starting with the State House first.  The goal is to get the bill passes by the House next week, before the Legislature recesses for the November elections.  A sample telephone script is below.

If you need to know who to call, click on this link: http://capwiz.com/mml/callalert/index.tt?alertid=11948236&type=ST&azip=48864&bzip=5118&show_alert=1

HB 6114

Phone Script for Calling Your State Legislators

Please call your state representative and state senator today and urge them to vote YES on House Bill 6114.

If Your Call is Answered by Voice Mail OR a Person

Please speak slowly and deliver this message:

“Hello, my name is _________ and I live in __________ [town] at _________ [address].

“I am calling to ask state Representative [name]/state Senator [name] to vote yes on House Bill 6114.

· “House Bill 6114 will help put Michigan back to work by creating jobs and attracting billions of dollars in private and public investment.

· “This bill will be Michigan’s first public policy step toward encouraging public transit systems in urban areas across the state. Right now systems are being planned for Grand Rapids and Detroit.

· “Many other states are using public transit as a powerful economic development tool for generating jobs and development.

“Again, I am calling to request Representative [name]/Senator [name] to vote yes on House Bill 6114. Thank you very much.”

Background Information

If you end up in a conversation with one of your legislators or with one of their staff members, here is some detailed information about House Bill 6114 and public transit.

· House Bill 6114 will bring thousands of jobs to Michigan and has the potential to attract billions of dollars in development. Public transit is creating thousands of jobs and generating billions in new infrastructure, retail, residential and commercial investments in communities and states across America – but not in Michigan. Portland, Oregon, Dallas, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, St. Louis, Missouri, and Minneapolis, Minnesota are among the many cities that have embraced public transit as a powerful economic development tool.

· Passing House Bill 6114 will be Michigan’s first public policy step toward encouraging a significant expansion of public transit systems in the state. Michigan has largely failed to embrace transit alternatives to driving. House Bill 6114 will spark public and private investment in new public transit systems in Detroit and Grand Rapids. The bill creates zones near transit stations in which future increases in property taxes could be used to finance transit operations and redevelopment.

· The Detroit Regional Chamber, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Municipal League and others support the bill. Some of Michigan’s leading business organizations support the bill because they understand the economic power of public transit. Mayors, city and village councils, and other local leaders from across the state also support the legislation. In addition, organizations that support expanding transit ridership back the bill.

· Expanding public transit will keep young, college-educated people in Michigan. A recent study by CEOs for Cities found that young, college-educated people want to live in cities that offer transportation alternatives to driving a car. They want to live in cities that have bike lanes, streetcars, light rail, buses and more. America’s most prosperous states tend to have populations of young, college-educated residents. Right now, Michigan is not among these states. HB 6114 can help us keep young, college-educated people in Michigan.

· Expanding public transit is good for the environment, reduces wear and tear on Michigan’s roads and bridges, conserves fossil fuels, and saves families money. Public transit systems emit half as much carbon dioxide per mile as automobiles. Public transit relieves traffic congestion and reduces air pollution. It’s also less expensive to travel by public transit, and transportation is the second largest expense in most households.

Again, I am calling to ask Representative [name]/Senator [name] to vote yes on House Bill 6114.

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FYI:

Notice of Temporary Traffic Control Plan

MILLER ROAD TRANSMISSION WATER MAIN PROJECT

September 25, 2008 to October 17, 2008

Location and Limits of Affected Area:

Miller Road from North Maple Road to Fulmer Street

Description of Construction:

This phase of the Maple-Miller Transmission Water Main project includes the installation of a 24” water main at Miller Road, from North Maple Road to Fulmer Street.

Temporary Construction Traffic Control Plan:

On Miller Road, from North Maple Road to Fulmer Street, the traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. At the intersection of Miller Rd. and Maple Rd. the traffic at all directions will be maintained.

During this construction the traffic may experience brief delays within the areas influenced by this work. Signs will be posted for this construction. To maintain the safety of all, please reduce speeds and drive cautiously through work zones. We thank you in advance for your patience as these necessary improvements to utility system are completed. Refer to the enclosed map for further details.

Project Contacts:

City of Ann Arbor

Igor Kotlyar, P.E., Project Management (734) 994-6087

Randy Goldhardt, Construction Inspection, (734) 323-9566

David Clemons, Supervisor, (734) 323-7942

Washtenaw Engineering Co.

Steve Gorsuch, P.E., Construction Engineering, (734) 761-8800

E.T. MacKenzie Company

John Niemiec, Construction Contractor, (734) 761-5050

Mary Morgan of the new online newsource the Ann Arbor Chronicle describes her experience riding the LINK.

Does she end up riding all alone?  Does it get there on time?  And how much does it cost?

All of these questions are answered and more.  Click here to read the article.