CYBERSPACE SIGHTING: Michigan's 21st Century Infrastructure Commission launches website to gather public input

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's 21st Century Infrastructure Commission on Monday announced a new website designed to gather public input and provide updates on the commission's work. The website-www.miinfrastructurecommission.com-features opportunities for residents to participate in online discussions and polls, learn about upcoming events, and find recent news stories about Michigan's infrastructure.

The commission also announced a statewide three-stop tour that will provide additional opportunities for the public to meet with commissioners and offer suggestions on how to improve the state's infrastructure. The first stop will be in Grand Rapids on July 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Grand Valley State University's Seidman Center. The other two stops will be in Marquette and Detroit and additional details will be announced soon.

"Improving Michigan's infrastructure today and for future generations is a responsibility all of us should take seriously," Snyder said. "I applaud the commission for its efforts to gather public input. I encourage Michiganders to visit the website, attend the listening tour stops, and provide ideas for how we can better create safe and reliable infrastructure in our state."

Snyder created the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission in March 2016 to identify long-term strategies to ensure Michigan's infrastructure remains safe and efficient now and in the future. The 27-member commission, chaired by Evan Weiner-chief operating officer and executive vice president of Edw. C. Levy Co.-is comprised of state and independent industry experts. The commission is responsible for identifying strategic best practices to modernize the state's transportation, water and sewer, energy, and communications infrastructure.

"Sound and modern infrastructure is vital to the health and well-being of the people of Michigan and now is the time to develop a bold and innovative infrastructure vision-together-that will benefit the next generation and succeed in the future economy," Weiner said. "The commissioners are looking forward to collaborating with Michigan residents, state departments, and experts to provide attainable recommendations that will help continue Michigan's comeback."

Serving as an advisory body within the executive office, the commission must present an infrastructure assessment and its recommendations no later than November 30.

For more information, to join the discussion online, and to sign-up for a listening tour stop, visit www.miinfrastructurecommission.com.

Published: Wed, Jul 13, 2016