"A share of the stimulus package was always supposed to go toward so-called "shovel ready" infrastructure projects, but public works advocates in the Senate and House had to fight to get more funding designated. The revised stimulus plan would allocate $150 billion of the $789 billion recovery measure to be spent on infrastructure projects, including building and repairing highways and bridges, expanding transit systems, upgrading rail systems and clean water projects.
Those will be welcomed jobs -- especially in Michigan.
But Michigan will still be sorely in need of funds to deal with its transportation infrastructure. Figuring out a new way to pay for highways, bridges and mass transit has to be a priority for Gov. Jennifer Granholm and lawmakers in Lansing this year. If it does nothing, the state stands to lose $1 billion a year in federal funds, which it must match at 20 percent. Part of the solution should be a restructuring and increase of the state's gas tax."
