Whereas, the State of Michigan has been moving projects off of the deferred list as funding becomes available; and

Whereas, the US-23 corridor is an important economic region in Michigan and one of the fastest growing areas in the state.  The growth of Washtenaw, Livingston and Monroe counties increases the need to conduct the study and move forward;  and

Whereas, the US-23 freeway is highly congested during both the morning and evening peak times and this peak congestion lasts more than an hour in the morning period and for more than three hours in the evening period; and

Whereas, the US-23 freeway serves as an important route for Ann Arbor Area businesses and is a major commuter route for  employees.  Area employers rely on employees using US-23 and the congestion negatively impacts productivity; and

Whereas, AATA has a federal grant to operate regional commuter service, however, transit service is unable to operate on this route due to the congestion; and

Whereas, Washtenaw County is committed to managing traffic and congestion using the least amount of resources while providing the greatest number of options;

Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, requests that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) work with the Washtenaw County elected officials, planners and road professionals to move the US-23 Environmental Impact Statement Study off of the deferred project list and study all potential commuting options to address this problem, including mass transit.