1 of 9 5/13/2009 8:09 AM Watch: Bobb On DPS Closures 57 Detroit Overcast Click for more JustWeather.com Site Web As Seen On Home News Weather Entertainment Sports Lifestyle Fun Marketplace Community Seen On Homepage / Detroit Local News Text Size Story Survey Mich. Roads, Dams Gets Failing Grades POSTED: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 UPDATED: 4:24 pm EDT May 12, 2009 LANSING, Mich. -- A report released Tuesday gives Michigan dams, roads and other infrastructure systems poor grades. The review released by the Michigan section of the American Society of Civil Engineers urges the state to invest more money in the deteriorating systems, some of which are in such poor shape they may pose a safety threat. The report grades Michigan infrastructure related to aviation, dams, drinking water, energy, navigable waterways, roads and bridges, storm water, transit and wastewater collection. All areas were graded either as a 'C' or a 'D.' Michigan's overall grade was determined as a 'D.' Kirk Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation and a member of the civil engineers group, said "it's absolutely embarrassing" to compare this generation's investment in infrastructure to the sizable commitment made by previous generations. "We have squandered the inheritance," Steudle said. "This report should be a wake-up call." Michigan's road and bridge woes have been well-documented. About 38 percent of the state's roads are rated as poor or mediocre, and 25 percent of its bridges are rated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. The Read Full Report cites U.S. Census Bureau data indicating Michigan has ranked among the bottom 10 states in per capita state and local road funding for more than four decades. The report says more than 90 percent of Michigan dams will reach or exceed their design life, which typically is about 50 years, by 2020. Dam breaks could cause environmental damage and threaten public safety, the report said. In 2003, a dam failure in Marquette County caused an estimated $100 million in flood damage. The report says Michigan has about $6 billion in wastewater and sewer system needs. The report grades the system as a 'C' but notes that many of its parts are aging. More than half of Michigan's 25,000 miles of sanitary sewers, for example, were built before 1970. Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. To link to this article from your blog, copy and paste the url
2 of 9 5/13/2009 8:09 AM below into your blog or homepage Link: Print Email Link Comments Showing 1 of 1 Comment. Sort by Community Page Comments feed Bigdoggy 12 hours ago I wonder how much was spent on that study? Like every sigle person in the state did'nt know that already. Like Report Reply More Add New Comment Logged in as Logout from DISQUS Logged in as using Facebook Connect (Logout) Please log in to Disqus or connect with Facebook to comment on ClickOnDetroit. Register with DISQUS Why? blog comments powered by Disqus Hot Topics
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5 of 9 5/13/2009 8:09 AM Buried Ashes More Video Watch Local 4 News Here Watch Local 4 News live for the latest news and weather updates. More Most Popular StoriesClick to Expand Ducks Beat Red Wings, Force Game 7 Ducks stay in the game and beat the Red Wings forcing a Game 7. Woman Digs Up Father's Remains After being told that her father was removed from the place he was buried more than 30 years ago, a local woman decides to dig up the truth. Mich. Woman Named "Biggest Loser" One of Michigan's "Biggest Loser" contestants can win the show's grand prize of $250,000 Tuesday. Bobb: 29 DPS Schools To Close Detroit Public School's emergency financial manager Robert Bobb says 29 schools will close in the district in an effort to balance a more than $300 million budget deficit.
6 of 9 5/13/2009 8:09 AM Police May Charge In One Community use. A metro Detroit community is considering an ordinance that would require non-residents to pay for any police service they VideoClick to Expand Watch Entire Screaming Match Between Conyers, Council President Trump Keeps Crown On Miss California Miss California USA, you're not fired! That s the decision from pageant boss Donald Trump after racy photos of the beauty queen surfaced. Truth Behind Food Expiration Dates Local 4's Paula Tutman asks experts to clear the myths about food expiration dates. Teen Fights Back Against Carjacker A thief meets his match when a son fights back to save his father's car from being stolen. DPS Announces Major School Closures At News Conference SlideshowsClick to Expand 4 Teens Killed In Crash DPS Financial Manager Robert Bobb announces 23 schools and 600 teachers will close in a news conference. 15 Foods That Help Burn Fat If you choose the right things to eat, you can start to lose weight. 20 Internet Acronyms All Parents Should Know Think you know what your child is saying when they're IMing or emailing? Find out which acronyms for which you must watch. PhotoVote - Precious Pets Hot Shots: Red Wing Playoff Fans
7 of 9 5/13/2009 8:09 AM Fans send in their Red Wings spirit Hot Shots. Weird News Funky Office Fridge Sends 7 To Hospital Driver: Moose 'Fell Out Of The Sky' Police: Postal Worker Stole $20K In Stamps How Can I Get Guy To Realize It's Over? Crafty Orangutan Escapes Zoo Enclosure Question Of The Day Do you think closing 29 schools is the right decision in Detroit? yes no Results Disclaimer E-Mail Features 1 2 3
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