LANSING (WWJ)  -- If you think potholes are getting out of control, you may be right. According to Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, winter '08 could be the worst pothole season in history.

Evidence presented by transportation leaders to the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Transportation apparently points to this conclusion. And with three times as many motorist complaints as last year, some transportation leaders  fear that unless current funding levels change, things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. 

“It’s a simple issue of economics: Gov. Granholm’s $150 million bonding program cannot replace the need for $1 billion per year,” said Mike Nystrom, vice president of government and public relations for the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) and co-chair of the Michigan Transportation Team (MTT). “This ‘pave today, pay tomorrow’ philosophy needs to change.”

Michigan has an annual funding shortfall of $700 million for its state transportation system and a shortfall of more than $2 billion for local roads. This funding pothole is due to massive cuts to the state’s road and bridge program because of declining gas tax revenues. With the 2009 Transportation Budget already labeled a “continuation budget,” we can expect more of the same.

“As bad as the potholes are today, things are going to get a lot worse,” said Keith Ledbetter, director of legislative affairs for MITA.  “This year’s state road and bridge program dropped by $300 million or 18 percent.  Motorists hoping for relief this year from potholes and congested roads will be disappointed.”