08/31/2007

Forum

Orange is the color of progress

BY JOHN HAMILTON

As many of us head to our getaway spots for the last weekend of the summer, those neon-orange barrels along our roads and highways will inevitably cause us to moan and groan for the umpteenth time about Michigan's two seasons: winter and construction.

But here's another point of view. As we celebrate Labor Day we should remember: Orange barrels mean jobs and progress. And, not just for road builders.

The federal government estimates that every $1 billion invested in the highway system supports more than 47,000 jobs and only one in four of those jobs is actually in the construction industry.

Funding road and infrastructure improvements is a sound investment for Michigan. For every $1 billion invested in roads, more than $60 million is created in state and local tax revenues, $540 million in federal income and Social Security Tax, and more than $2 billion in family income.

Not to mention, the construction industry employs approximately 13,000 Operating Engineer union construction workers, in addition to thousands of other union and non-union construction related workers.

Orange barrels ensure the strength and security of our transportation system. Infrastructure maintenance and development are the keys to putting Michigan's economy back on track. Building good roads will pave the way to a rejuvenated Michigan economy that attracts and keeps job providers.

Nationally, Michigan ranks extremely low on the condition of our roads and bridges, and the condition of our transportation funding is also at a crisis point. It is estimated that Michigan has a $700 million annual shortfall in maintaining the Michigan Department of Transportation-managed system and at least $2 billion in additional needs at the local level.

It is crucial that our Legislature realize the importance of funding road and infrastructure improvements, not only to help prevent accidents and save lives, but also to continue to employ thousands of residents across Michigan and revamp our local economy.

Labor Day is right around the corner and thousands of families are hitting the roads. It is important to remember orange barrels mean progress, jobs and economic vitality for Michigan.

Bright orange barrels mean a bright future for Michigan.

About the author

John Hamilton is business manager and general vice president of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324 in Livonia.

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