State incentives provide a needed push for transit systems
From freep.com …
Petty partisanship too often characterizes the work of Michigan legislators, so it’s encouraging to note that Republicans and Democrats do come together from time to time to support policies that will move Michigan forward.
Such is the case with a package of bills promoting transit by extending economic development incentives to bus stops, train stations and related improvements. Driving the bipartisan transit bills are two Democrats — Rep. Marie Donigan of Royal Oak and Sen. Gilda Jacobs of Huntington Woods — and two Republicans — Sen. Jason Allen and Rep. Wayne Schmidt, both of Traverse City.
So-called Transit Oriented Development bills would not raise taxes or require any community to invest in bus or rail systems. But the bills would provide new tools for municipalities to use Tax Increment Financing, tax credits, abatements and other incentives provided by existing economic development laws, including Corridor Improvement and Brownfield Redevelopment, for transit stations and other improvements.
Equally important, the bills would require communities to consider transit development options when updating their master plans. Although transit would not have to become part of any local master plan, municipal leaders should at least consider ways transit could benefit their communities if they want to move Michigan into a 21st Century economy.
These bills could change Michigan’s landscape by providing incentives to create dense, walkable communities around transit hubs. Nationally, every dollar spent on transit spurs an estimated $4 to $7 of related private investment. More transit in Michigan would also help the state recover more than the 46 cents it gets back for every transit dollar it sends to Washington.
“Transit needs to become part of economic development in Michigan,” said Andy Schor of the Michigan Municipal League. “More transit means attracting more investment and more talent to Michigan.”
Michigan needs transit systems that will relieve congestion, conserve energy, reduce global warning, reduce the enormous cost of maintaining and expanding highways, and create jobs and economic development. Legislators can help Michigan get there by approving the bipartisan package of Transit Oriented Development bills.