Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation on Monday to implement a coordinated effort to better manage the state’s drinking water, wastewater, storm water, transportation, and private utilities.
“Having sound and modern infrastructure is vital to the health and well-being of the people of Michigan,” says Snyder. “This legislation helps us take the necessary steps to ensure Michigan has a modern and reliable infrastructure system.”
In his 2016 State of the State Address, Snyder called for the creation of the 21st century infrastructure commission to develop 30-50-year recommendations for Michigan’s transportation, drinking water, wastewater, storm water, electric, gas, and broadband entities to improve the state’s infrastructure.
The 27-member commission worked for seven months to come up with recommendations that prioritized a healthy environment; reliable, high-quality service; economic prosperity; and value for investment.
In addition to sector-specific recommendations, the plan included overarching themes including a statewide culture of asset management, encouraging and facilitating coordinated planning, working to ensure sustainable funding, and embracing emerging technologies.
Once the bills are implemented, Michigan will be the only state to have created a statewide asset management database and program that will address each of the four areas and help communities better plan and invest in their systems. This integrated and holistic approach is designed to prioritize public health and create strong community foundations.
House Bill 5335, sponsored by Rep. Rob VerHeulen, R-Bay County, created the Michigan Infrastructure Council that will create the statewide asset management database, facilitate the data collection strategy, and produce a 30-year infrastructure investment and management strategy.
House Bill 5406, sponsored by Rep. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, created the Water Infrastructure Council, which will advise the Michigan Infrastructure Council on a statewide water asset management strategy, promote and oversee the implementation of the recommendations from the Regional Infrastructure Asset Management Pilot Program, and develop templates for water asset management plans by Oct. 1, 2019.
House Bill 5408 was sponsored by state representative Triston Cole and amends the Michigan Transportation Fund law to place the Transportation Asset Management Council within the Michigan Infrastructure Council. The council will advise the Michigan Infrastructure Council on a statewide transportation asset management strategy and the processes and tools needed for implementation.
The bills are now Public Acts 323-325 of 2018. More information can be found here.
