The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments has released the first of a series of videos as a part of a campaign to garner public input on its 2040 transportation plan for the region, which will be drafted in 2013.
SEMCOG is seeking feedback on its transportation plan.
The video, titled “The Inside Story on Roads and Bridges,” is the beginning of public outreach efforts for SEMCOG. It details the financial constraints Michigan is facing that have prevented many roadways from being updated.
“Our roads and bridges are deteriorating at a rate faster than we have resources to improve them,” according to the narration on the SEMCOG video. “Without additional funding, this trend will continue. The longer we wait, the more it will cost us, and the longer it will take to improve the system to acceptable standards.”
In 2004, 90 percent of the roads in Southeast Michigan were in good or fair condition. By 2011, less than 70 percent were in good or fair condition, according SEMCOG’s video.
SEMCOG is accepting feedback through an online survey. Additionally, comments can be submitted by email to InfoCenter@semcog.org.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.