REGION 8 NOTES

November/December 2004

Asset Management

The West Michigan Regional Planning Commission (WMRPC) just completed the second year of performing the inventory portion of Michigan’s Transportation Asset Management Program. Asset management is a systematic process of strategically maintaining, upgrading, and operating physical assets cost-effectively. The process involves planning, standards, procedures, data collection, management systems, implementation, and monitoring. In 2003 and 2004, the WMRPC coordinated efforts with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC), the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC), the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC), and each of the County Road Commissions.  These efforts led to the rating of all Act 51 roads to meet the requirements set forth by Michigan’s Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC).

Teams of people evaluated each segment of roadway using the PASER (Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating) system, which was developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as a method for rating asphalt, concrete and gravel roads. Manuals filled with pictures detail a 1-to-10 evaluation system in which "10" means excellent while "1" stands for a failed road.  The TAMC established that Ratings of 8-10 require routine maintenance,  ratings of 5-7 require capital preventive maintenance, and ratings of 1-4 require structural improvements.

The Data Collection effort was conducted in the field using a Geographic Information System (GIS) for database management and the Laptop Data Collector software for field collection.  A Global Positioning System (GPS) unit was attached to the laptop to track position, locate road segments, and offer accurate location data.  Approximately 4,744 miles of road were rated within Region 8. The following table shows the ratings and the miles rated for each of the counties within Region 8.

PASER Ratings in Region 8

All of the information gathered in the first year is compiled and will be distributed to each of the road commissions.  This program is scheduled to run through next year.  If the program is deemed a success, the program will continue into the future.  If you wish to find out more about the TAMC, visit www.michigan.gov/mdot/.

Awards

At its annual conference held in September this year, the Michigan Association of Regions (MAR) recognized William Sikkel as its regional leader of the year, known as the Johnie Rodebush award – Johnie is a County Commissioner and Regional Commissioner in Cass County.  MAR’s directors chose Mr. Sikkel because of his commitment to regional thinking.   Mr. Sikkel has served on the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission since 1995 and has been its treasurer since 2000.  Bill is also an Allegan County Commissioner – although he chose not to run this year, but will continue to serve with the WMRPC.  Mr. Sikkel also serves on the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, and the Transportation Committee for the Michigan Association of Counties.  His tireless efforts also include being the driving force behind the M-40/M-89 Corridor Committee in Allegan County – where he continues to serve and advocate for better roads along the corridor.  He also served as the Mayor of Holland and is a veteran of WWII.  He has many interesting stories, is a dedicated public servant, and is a valued member of the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission.  The WMRPC and MAR recognize William Sikkel for his tireless efforts to promote regional thinking.

MAR also recognized the WMRPC with an innovative award for its “Montcalm County Hazard Mitigation Plan.”  The goal of the study was to create an effective process for developing a countywide plan that identifies actions communities can perform to better anticipate and mitigate natural and other hazards. The WMRPC was the first region to respond to the Emergency Management Division’s (EMD) request to develop Hazard Mitigation Plans in Michigan.  Since no proposals or plans existed, the entire process involved selling the idea to communities and working with EMD to develop plans that would meet the ever-changing criteria.

In addition to awards, L. Charles Mulholland was elected to his third term as MAR’s President.  Mr. Mulholland is the Chair of the WMRPC and is a very active member of MAR.   

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