REMARKS FOR
THE HONORABLE MARY PETERS
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

I-94 DEVELOPMENT
JACKSON, MI

MAY 5, 2008
9:15 AM

Good morning, and thank you Congressman Walberg for that kind introduction. And thank you Randy, for showing us your impressive facility and introducing me to some of the men and women who make this company so special.

Businesses like this one are the backbone of Michigan’s economy. When companies like Alro thrive, cities like Jackson prosper and grow. More often than not in today’s global economy, success for a business like this rests on its ability to move goods to customers faster and more reliably than competitors in other states or other countries.

Congressman Walberg and the folks here understand that the best way to help companies like this thrive is to repair and expand highways like I-94 so delivery costs stay low and shipments keep on schedule.

Yet too many people back in Washington prefer to spend your transportation dollars on fixing lighthouses and building museums, instead of repairing roads and widening highways.

As a result, at a time when we’re spending more on transportation than ever before, plans to expand roads like I-94 languish. Businesses like this don’t need a bridge to nowhere when local roads can’t get them anywhere else on time.

That is why I’m working with people like Congressman Walberg to make sure we get it right when the time comes to renew our federal transportation program next year. We need to give state and local officials the freedom and flexibility to invest in transportation projects that make a difference for commuters, for shippers and for communities like Jackson.
Companies like Alro and places like Jackson shouldn’t have to wait for Washington to get it right, however. That is why I am here today to announce that there is 400 billion dollars available right now to invest in vital road, bridge and transit projects today.

This isn’t funny money or another government gimmick. It is what most economists and analysts estimate the private sector has available today to invest in road projects like I-94 and others across states like Michigan. It’s money that can make a difference for workers and businesses in Jackson at a time when we could use it most.

Major projects in states like California, Texas, Virginia and Florida are already getting underway or finished with the help of the private sector. There’s no reason the same couldn’t happen here in Michigan. All that’s needed is the political will in Lansing to adopt legislation that would make these kinds of public private partnerships a reality.

When that happens and the state has the authority it needs to embrace creative and proven approaches to funding highway projects, we want you to be ready to act. That is why I am making the Department’s innovative finance team available to help this community and state transportation officials figure out a way to get plans to repair I-94 off the drawing board and into reality.

And because fresh innovation in Michigan shouldn’t be met with stale red tape in Washington, I also am announcing that the Department will provide expedited review for any proposal from Michigan to repair and widen I-94 this team helps identify. It’s time for Washington to start rewarding creative thinking and supporting new ideas.

Whether creating assembly lines, perfecting modern manufacturing or developing sophisticated supply chain networks, Michigan has long led the way. And today, it has a chance to lead again when it comes to attracting the capital needed to give this state a new edge over its competitors. Faster roads, more reliable deliveries and cheaper shipping can and will make a difference.

And with the help of leaders in Lansing and folks like Congressman Walberg, we will tear down the roadblocks to success and the speed bumps to prosperity that Washington has too long maintained. It’s time to take the brakes off this state’s engine of growth and give businesses like Alro’s the transportation network they need to compete and succeed in today’s global economy.

Thank you, and now I’d be happy to answer your questions.