Actually, it's not. We just wish that it was. Then, communities would be able to gain all the fantastic benefits of having a GIS program. They'd take advantage of the GIS' ability to bring together data sets from all different corners of the community to save time, money, resources and even lives. Here are a few of the very useful uses of a sustainable GIS program:
Public Safety: Emergency Maps and Tools
Master Planning: Zoning, Land Use, Transportation
SWPPI Mandates: IDEP - Sampling, Tracking and Maintaining
Engineering Expenses: Maps and Analysis
Assessing: Lot Splits/Combinations, Tax Maps, Street Maps
Public Utilities: Asset and Maintenance Tracking, GPS
When a sustainable GIS brings this much value, you wonder why all communities don't use it. Visit this website for free forms to get your GIS back on the road to sustainability. http://www.ohm-advisors.com/GISsustainability/download.cfm
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Michigan's Infrastructure Gets a "D"
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Report shows Michigan roads, dams, other infrastructure in poor shape
Tom Greenwood / The Detroit News
In a report released Tuesday morning, members of a national engineering society have given Michigan's crumbling infrastructure an overall grade of D, as in "dismal."
Based on an 18-month survey, the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers said nine vital infrastructure systems -- aviation, dams, drinking water, energy, navigable waterways, roads/bridges, storm water treatment, wastewater collection and transit -- needed massive transfusions of money if Michigan's economic prosperity and quality of life are to be maintained.
Of the nine systems, aviation, wastewater collection and energy received an overall rating of C, while the remaining systems received a D rating. In 2005, the society gave the entire U.S. infrastructure an overall rating of D+.
"Reversing the decay of our aging infrastructure is essential to reviving Michigan's economy," said Ron Brenke, executive director of ASCEMI. "We hope this report card will serve to spark dialogue among local and state officials, policy makers to ... find solutions for Michigan's infrastructure needs."
Some of the conclusions reached by the survey included:
• Thirty-seven percent of Michigan's roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
• Thirty-nine percent of Michigan's major roads are congested.
• Michigan has $6 billion in wastewater infrastructure needs.
• Michigan's mass transit needs are growing, but the majority of transit funds are used for maintenance, not for expansion.
According to the report, Michigan's road and bridge system is deteriorating to the point where it could jeopardize the state's ability to compete in a global economy.
The six major reasons for the condition of the state's roads include: a history of underfunding, decline in fuel tax revenues, rising costs, rising demand, the diversion of funds and an aging infrastructure, according to the report.
For the complete "Not Making the Grade" report, go to www.michiganreportcard.com.
tgreenwood@detnews.com (313) 222-2023
Report shows Michigan roads, dams, other infrastructure in poor shape
Tom Greenwood / The Detroit News
In a report released Tuesday morning, members of a national engineering society have given Michigan's crumbling infrastructure an overall grade of D, as in "dismal."
Based on an 18-month survey, the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers said nine vital infrastructure systems -- aviation, dams, drinking water, energy, navigable waterways, roads/bridges, storm water treatment, wastewater collection and transit -- needed massive transfusions of money if Michigan's economic prosperity and quality of life are to be maintained.
Of the nine systems, aviation, wastewater collection and energy received an overall rating of C, while the remaining systems received a D rating. In 2005, the society gave the entire U.S. infrastructure an overall rating of D+.
"Reversing the decay of our aging infrastructure is essential to reviving Michigan's economy," said Ron Brenke, executive director of ASCEMI. "We hope this report card will serve to spark dialogue among local and state officials, policy makers to ... find solutions for Michigan's infrastructure needs."
Some of the conclusions reached by the survey included:
• Thirty-seven percent of Michigan's roads are in poor or mediocre condition.
• Thirty-nine percent of Michigan's major roads are congested.
• Michigan has $6 billion in wastewater infrastructure needs.
• Michigan's mass transit needs are growing, but the majority of transit funds are used for maintenance, not for expansion.
According to the report, Michigan's road and bridge system is deteriorating to the point where it could jeopardize the state's ability to compete in a global economy.
The six major reasons for the condition of the state's roads include: a history of underfunding, decline in fuel tax revenues, rising costs, rising demand, the diversion of funds and an aging infrastructure, according to the report.
For the complete "Not Making the Grade" report, go to www.michiganreportcard.com.
tgreenwood@detnews.com (313) 222-2023
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