U.P. Public forums planned on transportation

LANSING, Mich. — Two community forums on transportation issues will take place next week.

Sponsored by the Transportation for Michigan (Trans4M) coalition, the forums are designed to generate input to Gov. Rick Snyder, the Michigan Legislature and policymakers as they create a shared transportation vision for the state.

The forums will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 2- 4 p.m. in Escanaba at the Michigan Technical Education Center (MTEC) at Bay College and 6- 8 p.m. at the Michigan Works! Service Center in Marquette. The general public is encouraged to join.

“Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature want our input on the kind of transportation policies we would like to see in our great state,” said Sen. Tom Casperon, R-Escanaba. “This is a great opportunity for our residents to voice their opinions on important state policy matters.”

The forums are sponsored by the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance, Upward Initiative Growing Business & Industry, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, the MTEC at Bay College, Michigan Works!, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

“People are excited about the prospects for improving Michigan’s roads, public transportation options and bike-and pedestrian-friendly towns,” said Kathryn Gray, coordinator of the Trans4M coalition. “They’re sharing that with us during these forums, and we will be sharing it with lawmakers and policy experts as we move toward a reliable, efficient and interconnected transportation system for our state.”