John Dingell at Stadium bridges groundbreaking: 'We had to yell twice as loud to get this one'
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, is joined by Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje today at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Stadium bridges project. Dingell, standing under the 83-year-old span above State Street, said federal funding for the project almost didn't happen.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The 83-year-old spans over South State Street and the nearby Ann Arbor Railroad tracks will be completely demolished starting next week as part of a $22.8 million project that includes replacing them with new spans and added features for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Dingell, who is given credit for helping Ann Arbor secure a $13.9 million federal TIGER grant for the project, remarked that "Thanksgiving came early this year."
"We all did this," added Dingell, paying tribute to the community support. "We have a peculiar system of government, but believe it or not, it works if everybody pulls together."
Dingell, D-Dearborn, called the condition of the Stadium bridges "terrible," but he also said it was terribly competitive trying to secure federal funding for them.
Dingell holds up a three-pound sledgehammer at today's groundbreaking ceremony for the Stadium bridges project.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"A lot of people said, 'Well, this is a complete waste of time — he isn't going to do anything,' " Dingell recalled of Porcari's visit. "Well, it turned out he did."
Dingell said the federal funding almost didn't happen.
"This thing nearly cratered," he said. "On one of the days not long before the grant was made, I got a call from the secretary's office, Mr. LaHood, who happens to be an old friend, and he said, 'John, if you don't show some evidence of community support, we're not going to be able to give you the grant.' I said, 'Say no more.' So I started calling people."
Mayor John Hieftje acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the Stadium bridges has been a sore point in the community in recent years. He maintains the city made the right choice to wait for federal funding so not to deplete the city's local streets fund.
He said that's how the Broadway bridges were funded several years ago, and Ann Arbor residents now can expect a project of similar quality along Stadium Boulevard.
"I haven't talked to anyone in town who's ever been over that bridge who doesn't think that project turned out very well," Hieftje said of the Broadway project. "It's a beautiful bridge and we're going to do the same thing here."
Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle and Russell Jorgensen of the Federal Highway Administration both were on hand for today's groundbreaking ceremony.
From left to right, John Hieftje, Homayoon Pirooz, Margie Teall, Sue McCormick, John Dingell and Michael Nearing at today's groundbreaking.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"Whoever was in charge of the weather, wonderful," Steudle said of today's 40-degree temperature. "Hopefully that's a great omen of how this project's going to go."
Jorgensen reminded Ann Arbor officials of just how lucky they are to have secured federal funding for the Stadium bridges.
There were two rounds of TIGER grant funding, with about 51 projects selected from more than 1,400 applications across the country in the first round.
"The second time around, there was about half as much money and there were just as many applications," Jorgensen said. "So the fact that this project was one of the 41 capital improvement projects selected from around the whole county out of that list is truly a testament to the congressman, the city and everybody else that backed this project."
Jorgensen noted Ann Arbor also received the 16th highest amount of money of the 41 projects that were selected for funding. He said there's one more round of TIGER grants coming and hopefully Michigan will get its fair share and then some.
"The needs are great and the money is few, but projects that are worthy certainly will rise to the top," Jorgensen said.
At that, Dingell quipped: "We had to yell twice as loud to get this one."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
bunnyabbot
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
Well thanks for yelling twice as hard. I must say that 83 year old men either look creepy or adorable and even though I would never vote for him he does fall in the adorable grandpa category (and I thank him for his civil service too). But I would still like to see him retire all the same. as for the yelling part, well, the Stadium bridge is part of the M-dot Business loop isn't it? it is a main artery through what is one of the biggest economic centers of the state. So they really needed to help out with the bridge anyway, now didn't they?
SonnyDog09
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.
How much did the hammers cost? Were they purchased with funding that was to be used to replace the bridges? What became of those props after the photo op?
SalineSara
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
No mention of the 200 protestors on hand. Typical A2.com reporting.
clownfish
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 7:36 p.m.
What were they protesting?
clownfish
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
Moan and cry when it is not being fixed, moan and cry about high taxes, moan and cry when it is being fixed. It really is sad to read Americans comments here on A2.com. There is a fix, all of the Whiners can run for office and/or get jobs in the "greedy" public sector. Ya'll can show us how to get the job done with 1/2 the pay and no benefits, then nobody will be able to whine and cry about the job you are doing. Everything will be better. Then what will you moan and cry about?
actionjackson
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Thank You John Dingell. This "old dude" has done more for the people in the State of Michigan at a Federal level than 99% of those punching keys on their laptops lambasting him for his tireless efforts at making Michigan a more desirable place to live than most places in this country or many others.
Diagenes
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
Jorgensen reminded Ann Arbor officials of just how lucky they are to have secured federal funding for the Stadium bridges. It is pathetic to rely on luck to repair our infrastructure. We have outsourced our future to a small minority of Washington elites to decide if we are worthy of their access to other peoples money. Benjamin Franklin said those who give up liberty for security will have neither.
towny
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.
Dingell is part of the problem in washington not the solution. Do you believe this government and country is headed in the right direction or same old, same old, bad direction. Dingell gets some bridges repaired and all is well. All hail dingell. Please. Ask Dingell why this country is still dependent on OIL. Dingell is a prime example of a hanger on that should of been replaced 20 years ago. Come on wake up this government is not working and this country is showing the results.
Daniel Soebbing
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
Actually Dingell did spend a lot of time torpedoing environmental legislation when he was the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. His biggest backers have always been the UAW, thus he has tended to favor legislation that protects the traditional interests of the big 3. CAFE standards probably would have been a lot higher in the early 90s if a representative from any other state other than Michigan had chaired that committee. That's not to say that any kind of progressive legislation that would have led to the end of the prominence of the petroleum industry was being proposed in the 80s or 90s. But a lot of chances to implement incremental changes were lost.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
Your going to blame Dingell for our dependency on oil???? Never mind the lobbyists, the powerful relationships that everyone in DC enjoys with the mideast? Blame a lone Democrat? Illogical.
jns131
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 2:09 a.m.
O come on. Give me some dynamite and a button. A tiny mallet hammer is not going to bring that thing down. And we spent money on this? Get real folks. Totally lame.
Treespinei
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
OK, so we finally have the money and the project will start next Monday, Nov. 28, but did I read a related article correctly - The entire project will be complete by May 2013. 2013!!!!!2013!!!!!!! It took 1 year and 45 days to build the EMPIRE STATE Bldg. and we need 17 months to build a little bridge over a State St. and the railroad tracks. What's wrong with this picture??????
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.
Pretty sure this is a good example of how to spending federal money. Per this article, replacing the bridge on Stadium street will cost approximately $22.8 million dollars. This would have been a huge cost to the city of Ann Arbor. I also doubt Washtenaw County or the State of Michigan would have come running to assist. Anyways, I'm glad the bridge is (finally) getting replaced, long overdue.
SonnyDog09
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 5:03 p.m.
Would we have spend $22million to replace the bridges if we were spending our own money, or would we have chosen a less ostentatious design?
Arborcomment
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.
No problem on the grammar, it's the fact that this "federal" money is still coming out of your, or most likely, your children's pocket. TIGER is coming out of the "stimulus" package, one of those putting America back to work things that was almost shovel ready. In a year, when it's done, those working on this project can then claim unemployment.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
Wow, talk about a bad example of grammar. " ... how to spending [sic] federal money." Should be "How to spend federal money." My bad.
shepard145
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:24 p.m.
Now you're trying to buy votes? Where's the $4 billion in mass transit funding every other state but Michigan enjoys John? This is pathetic.
Spud
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Why in the world is Federal Funding used for non-Federal roads. This is a city responsibility. Ann Arbor should be ashamed.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
It is a city road, but the cost ($22 million) would have been a huge cost for the city.
A2James
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.
Good job Dingleberry! It's about time this town gets some much needed REAL infrastructural improvements, instead of wasting money on bike lanes and pedestrian crosswalks.
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.
Thank you Representative Dingell!!!
jns131
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.
Could not agree more towny. I have been voting him out for the last 3 elections and nothing. Guess we are use to being taxed to death.
towny
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:18 p.m.
Yeah thanks for hanging on forever and not letting new blood in that will really do something. same old same old look where it has gotton this country right down the drain.
leaguebus
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.
The Slickster raised my Michigan taxes $1200 this year. Do you think any of that money is going to do any good for the state? Build a bridge or two, pave a road? No, its going to subsidize business in Michigan, to the tune of $1.8B, so they can build their Chinese plants and hire their Chinese workers. I will bet that Mr Dingle didn't sign the Grover Norquist no tax pledge, he's way too smart. Lucky we got the bridge money before all the massive cuts in Fed spending go through thanks to Grover and his Republican pledge drones.
Arborcomment
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
And you pay both state and federal gas taxes for transportation infrastructure maintenance and improvements. Those providing interstate commerce (trucking) pay thousands of dollars, per year, per vehicle for the same. Yet we need to use borrowed TIGER funds to replace an 80 year old bridge in a medium sized Midwestern city. I'd say we do need a tax pledge until our money is used wisely. Sad.
Michisbest
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.
The real hold up here was the regulatory hoops they (City)had to jump through to replace the bridge. What's really interesting is this bridge lasted 83 years and was built without any goverment regualtions. The new one won't last 50 and will cost 10 times as much (in the same relative dollars) to meet every EPA ,OHSA, NHTSA , DEQ and whatever other regulaion they can tack on to it .
dogpaddle
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
To deletedcomment; towny; andys and others who think Dingell is too old to serve: I hope when you are his age, members of the community are kinder to you than you are to him. As long as he can do good, and he does, let's keep re-electing him. His experience in DC proves what's wrong in Lansing with terms limits. We the people should be able to choose who we want to represent us. If we feel at some point he isn't serving our best interests, then, sure, unseat him. It's supposedly the American way. For better or worse, his experience in DC and the political games that have to be played to get what you want however disgusting it might seem, is invaluable to our state. I admire Bill Clinton but he had very little idea how to work the DC system when he went to DC in 92 and was considered an outsider at the time. Their 8 years of experience there helped Hillary in my opinion be a more experienced politician today. I don't agree with the system, but right now it's what we have. I'm glad our mayor and Dingell waited for federal funds instead of our own. And for those of you who think Dingellis too old to serve: where were you when Reagan was running for office? Now a really big question for all of us: how long will this take and what is going to happen to our major thoroughfare of Stadium Blvd. during construction? Will we be detoured and how? Why are we waiting for winter to start this?
clownfish
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
MICHIBEST- the bridge was built by the government, same as it is now. The engineering will or has been handed to an outside firm. So, it appears you are whining about things being done the same way they were done before.
Joe_Citizen
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 3:01 a.m.
So who is old enough to serve??... He still has the experience too. Maybe we should only have senior citizens serve as state reps.
grye
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.
Dingle may have been great in his time but he has contributed woefully to the overspending problems for many years. We need people in Congress who are willing to control spending, identify those items that are wasteful (and be vey very vocal about them), and do what's best for the country. I know that finding dollars for Michigan is important but the economic woes need a concerted effort to right the many years of wrongs. If not, we are headed for a greater economic disaster.
Peter Klaver
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:23 p.m.
+1 on the respect for Rep. Dingell. As to your questions, the City intends to provide answers about schedule and detours at <a href="http://www.annarborbridges.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.annarborbridges.org/</a>. As for the project start time, I assumed the idea was to wait until the football season was over. To those who claim that the old bridge has lasted 83 years, note that the part that is failing is the deck over State Street, which was replaced more recently, possibly in the 1970s although I don't know the exact year. What I'm hoping for is that someone will step up and replace the "you animals are people" graffito, once the bridges are complete, in the manner of "McGovern for truth" on the fence at Kingsley and First.
Michisbest
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
Dogpaddle why are we waiting for winter? Because it is being run by a bunch of idiot bureaucrats like Dingell instead of good smart construction engineers who built the first bridge that lasted 83 years.
Knick
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.
Bringing home the bacon - that's what it's all about! Dingell (Levin, Stabenaw) has done sooooo soooo much for Michigan -- look at us among the 50 states, we are always in the top 10% aren't we? Hummm. But look at what HE did with OUR money!!! Why do we need to send tax dollars to D.C., let them skim 20% off the top, and then send it back for a bridge project in A2 only to make Dingell or any other politician (R or D) look great? This is either a city or County road issue and the politicians and money grubbers who like to dole out (return) our money to fix this bridge from D.C. is a sick example of what's wrong with government run amuck, especially the federal government.
towny
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
Right On. you nailed it. they hang on forever too just to skim some more.
clownfish
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.
Note the same people that moan about taxes being too high are the ones complaining that it took so long to get the bridge repaired or moan about maintenance not being done. Too rich!
glimmertwin
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
As old as the guy is he still moves faster than the other 500+ members of congress. How sad that is.
pegret
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.
The mayor is brave to stand so close to someone with a sledgehammer.
Mike
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:47 p.m.
I can hardly wait to see the bridge that Dingell built in all it's glory with pristine new bicycle paths..........Where do all of our gasoline taxes go? To some other government budget like our social security "lockbox"? The one most important thing about Dingell is that he is a reminder of how government has wasted trillions of tax dollars to the point we can't even fix our roads so that he can be in another photo op. Even better is the fact that he has been there long enough to own all of the mess we are in financially. Thanks Mr. Dingell!
tegel
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10 p.m.
Yawn...whatever.
andys
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
Yeah, our money has to first be cycled though DC once, so that we can praise guy's like Dingle for returning some (not all) of it back to us. You are just peachy Mr. Dingle, for returning our money to us.
andys
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
Dingle is the spiting image of Henry Fonda in On Golden pound. How does this fossil keep getting re-elected?
BWSanderson
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
andys: Have you ever met John Dingle? I've been to his Town Hall meetings and he is the kind of politician I wish we had more of -- experienced, non-ideological, and a gentleman.
demistify
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
Just look at what runs against him.
CONCERNED CITIZEN
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:15 p.m.
Is this newsworthy????????????? With all of the problems Michigan has, shouldn't Mr Dingell be in Lansing doing something worthwhile? Unbelievable...I guess this is what you get when you vote in someone that is far too old to do anything pertinent to the people of Michigan! Only in Ann Arbor!
Arborcomment
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:50 p.m.
I'm checking to see just what Mr. Dingell "works" on while in D.C. Could he have missed the fund raiser attended by other Michigan democrats (S. Levin and Conyers) for, get this, Charlie Rangel? It was just last week and was attended by Pelosi and Hoyer as well. The event was $500 for cocktails and $5000 to be "political action chairs". "No corporate checks please" read one solicitation under Rangel's name. This comes just 11 months after he was summoned to the well of the Congress while Pelosi read the letter of censure for his 11 ethics violations.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
Concerned Citizen, State government and Federal government are two completely different bodies. Congressman Dingle is part of the Federal government so, no, he probably shouldn't be in Lansing, MI. As far as Federalism and the entire debate on how Federal money, which is seperate from State money, should be spend, don't you think repairing/replacing a bridge is "worthwhile"? I have no problem with my tax dollars (State or Federal) going to replace roads, bridges, etc.
Sparty
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.
Actually, Representative Dingell is a US Congressman in the House of Representatives which means he works in Washington, DC when not in his District working with the constituents that he represents.
leaguebus
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
Concerned, Mr Dingle works in Washington. He is doing something, how many jobs do you think will be created when the bridge work starts?
Kara Marie
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:12 p.m.
Just tear it down already. And don't take a year to replace it... not cool.
clownfish
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Clearly a lot of people have no idea what it takes to build things, but they know how to whine about other people actually getting it done.
Kara Marie
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 5:39 a.m.
I just hope they are working every second they can, no slacking. But I do agree on a safe bridge.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
I hope the construction workers take as long as reasonably needed to ensure the bridge won't fall over.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:15 p.m.
A lot less time than it takes to build a pair of gilded stairways to nowhere.
clownfish
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
How long should it take to rebuild a couple of bridges?
towny
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:11 p.m.
Retire already old man.
jns131
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
I am totally on board with you towny. Time to retire the old fossil.
towny
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
you must be kidding.
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
Dig some respect, Representative Dingell has done more for Michigan than anyone else.
SonnyDog09
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
The bridges that we are replacing are younger than the congressman.
deletedcomment
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 7:56 p.m.
Retire already old man.
jns131
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 2:13 a.m.
O goodie a 3rd person who agrees with retiring the old fossil.
Peter Jameson
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
The money will dry up once businesses dry up. Remember that government only functions because of the tax revenue that the people earn through business.
demistify
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
Rather ungracious of you. Without him, the money will dry up.
Suitsme
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
The juxtaposition of the magnificent Michigan Stadium, Michigan Golf and Outing course on the left, Power Center on the right when one (with relief) makes it over the bridge safely going west is amazing. Isn't the stadium and other UM facilities built by the taxpayers.? For all those who constantly gripe about how everything is someone else's fault, run for office, volunteer and do something to change things. There weren't any homeless people before Ronald Reagun, see what can be done by just one person?
srrk
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
Those athletics facilities are being built with NO tax collections or university general fund support.
clownfish
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9 p.m.
No,SUITS, they do not run for government, they do not apply for jobs fixing roads and bridges at lower wages than the current employees. They whine and moan, but don't actually do much about what they whine and moan about. Nor do they want to raise taxes to what they were under Reagan, or do what Reagan did to (kind of) balance the federal budget...raise taxes and do away with loopholes.
Barb
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
I think you mean Crisler Arena, not the Power Center. And it's Ann Arbor Golf &Outing and the UofM Golf Course on the left. And really, no homeless before Ronald Reagan? Not gonna defend #40 but it's not that simple.
Macabre Sunset
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
Basically, our local politicians waited years, harming our city's image and its businesses, so that it wouldn't have to pay for the new bridge. That's "democracy" in a one-party town. Thanks, mayor.
demistify
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
It worked. It's getting done without AA going broke. So, just breathe a sigh of relief. Save your energy for remains amiss. There's enough to keep you busy.
Michisbest
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
What a picture Dingelfritz with a hammer in his hand you can tell he doesn't have a clue what it is. Thank Obama! Gee is the money coming out of his pocket? Classic taking credit for something that should have been done with the Tarp funds from 2 years ago oh where did that money go?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Nov 23, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
"and paid for by China now, and your children later" There's an easy way to solve this: raise taxes. GN&GL
Arborcomment
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
And were started in the Bush administration and continued under Obama. On a lighter note, on the east coast, a prankster placed an almost exact duplicate of the usual "this project sponsored by TIGER, putting America back to work" construction zone propaganda sign. It read, "and paid for by China now, and your children later". It was up for at least 2 weeks before someone snapped a picture of it and made the local paper.
Sparty
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
And were repaid, generating a profit for the government.
clownfish
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
TARP funds were for the bailout of banking firms, not infrastructure rebuilding.
Sparty
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.
Thanks to Representative Dingell, Secretary LaHood, and the Obama Administration for the funding that will allow this bridge to finally be repaired !
Mitch
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.
Thanks?!? Thanks?!? Dingle has lost all respect on the hill especially of his OWN party. Why do you think it took him this long to get this funding?
Sparty
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 4:52 a.m.
I thought it was clear - its obvious that Jesus supports the Obama administration and allows them the patience to forgive bigots, and hear from fools!
Oregon39_Michigan7
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
+1
Peter Jameson
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
don't forget about jesus...and the big guy up there
jcj
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
John the Dinosaur is older than the bridge! Everyone wants to take credit now. Nobody owned the bridge for years!
jns131
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 2:15 a.m.
I own the bridge and Dingel wants credit for it. It was that dinosaur that made part of it come down. Stadium bridge is falling down.....repeat that a few times....
81wolverine
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
First of all, I'm thankful that this project is FINALLY underway. However, I'm NOT thankful for the mismanagement by the city over the years that allowed the bridges to get to this state. But, it's really a perfect example of why infrastructure is declining all over Michigan and the United States. The politicians refuse to deal with the problem and kick the can down the road for future generations (like my kids) to deal with. Like almost every other difficult decision that requires a backbone, they won't make the funding of infrastructure a priority, so they just don't do anything. Meanwhile, our state and country continue their steady slide toward mediocrity relative to the rest of the world. Next election, voters need to send a clear and resounding message to politicians that fiascos like the Stadium Bridges won't be tolerated any more.
demistify
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
The responsibility for Washtenaw is more with the state than the city. Hold to account the governor and legislature than are not providing sufficient highway funds, not just the city.
Roadman
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
83-year old spans? The bridge is almost as old as John Dingell (85 yrs.)
demistify
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.
Yeah, but he is still holding up.
pseudo
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
while I am happy for the federal funding and pleased that these bridges are finally going to be repaired, I am disgusted with the roulette game that Ann Arbor's City Council played with the lives and well-being of their citizens and tourists as these bridges crumbled to the streets below. The council got lucky while gambling. Thats obscene.
tegel
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.
"I am disgusted with the roulette game that Ann Arbor's City Council played with the lives and well-being of their citizens and tourists as these bridges crumbled to the streets below" Care to provide the results of your structural analysis to back up this claim?
demistify
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.
No more obscene than your persistence on seeking political advantage from the issue in the face of success.
a2cents
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.
Yes, a real disappointment for the legions of fans and citizens who clamored and begged for the opportunity to pay for the bridge.
RTFM
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.
Meanwhile Ann Arbor taxpayers spend ungodly amounts on Art while infrastructure fails.
Mitch
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
"1% = ungodly?" YES, especially when police and FIRE are being cut first! They also need to show some intelligence and convert the ALL Pensions to 401K Just like everyone else.
tegel
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
1% = ungodly?
clownfish
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
How much of the overall budget is spent on art?
grye
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
Maybe the bridge could be called "a work of art" and then the art fund could be exhausted on the bridge leaving additional funds to take care of other infrastructure problems.
kittybkahn
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.
Thank you Representative Dingell!!!
Plubius
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 5:15 p.m.
Yes - for wasting $23M on a project that could be completed for a small fraction of that amount.