Detroit Regional Chamber Calls Michigan Road Report A Call to Action

DETROIT, Feb. 27, 2006 -- An annual report by The Road Information Program (TRIP) giving Michigan's road system low grades should serve as a wake-up call for Southeast Michigan, the Detroit Regional Chamber said Monday.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000703/DRCLOGO )

"For residents and businesses across Southeast Michigan, it is not news that our roads and bridges are in need of repair. What is news, however, is that the Detroit Region scored lower than the state of Michigan overall -- in every category reported -- from roads to congestion to safety," said Claudia R. Berry, the Chamber's senior director of transportation policy.

Because our transportation infrastructure is critical to the continued economic development and quality of life of our region, the Detroit Regional Chamber has long advocated for a system of roads and bridges that is well planned and coordinated, meets the highest standards for construction and is well maintained. In support of these objectives, maintaining a seamless, coordinated and efficient regional transportation system has been a top priority for this Chamber since the early 1970s.

"The TRIP report shows how far we have to go to meet those standards," Berry said.

TRIP, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit research organization, released "Making the Grade in Michigan: An Analysis of the Ability of Michigan's Transportation System to Meet the State's Need for Safe and Efficient Mobility" on Monday. It included a statewide report plus three local "report cards" for Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids.

The Chamber commended TRIP for conducting this important research and for TRIP's continued efforts to build awareness of the critical needs in Michigan to build and maintain our system of roads and bridges.

With more than 22,000 members, the Detroit Regional Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in the country. The Chamber's mission is carried out through business attraction efforts, public policy advocacy, strategic partnerships and quality products and services for members.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000703/DRCLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/373550.html