NEGAUNEE TWP., Mich. (WZMQ) – A large group of local contractors and union workers rallied behind the same cause, to call on lawmakers to provide long-term funding for road infrastructure.
The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, along with hundreds of workers and union members from across the U.P. stood united to reiterate a strong message to Lansing, “save our jobs, fund our roads.”
“It affects so many people and so many people’s lives that we have to work together. And that’s really what we’re hoping for, we can convince our people in the government side to really work together,” said Construction Manager, Jon Leach.
The rally in the U.P. coincided with a similar, but larger gathering in Lansing. The push comes as lawmakers negotiate Michigan’s next budget,
“We can’t pour concrete into political gridlock. We can’t form Bridges out of empty promises. We can’t pave over legislative inaction. Michigan skilled trades people show up every day and we do our jobs. It’s time for the legislature to do the same,” said Robert Biddle, Training coordinator for Carpenters and Millwrights local 1510.
Marquette Mayor Jessica Hanley says whatever the final budget looks like. She wants to see the Upper Peninsula get its fair share.
“Marquette is falling further behind because Lansing has left us hanging. The state formula that distributes road dollars leaves communities like ours right at the bottom.” Said Mayor Hanley. “Right now, Marquette has an annual road funding gap of millions of dollars, and in fact, we have over $35 million worth of street projects sitting on our shelves that we can’t do because we simply don’t have the money”.
The point was made again and again. Failing roads affect everyone from residents to visitors, and delaying repairs only increases the costs of repair.
