LANSING, Mich., Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statements in response to Governor Snyder's special message on transportation given earlier today in Southfield.

Statement from Rich Studley, President & CEO:

"We support Gov. Snyder's special message on transportation. The quality of a state's transportation system has a major impact on economic growth and Michigan must make the smart investments to reinvent Michigan. Now is the time to make bold and dramatic changes on how we deliver and pay for transportation in Michigan. Doing nothing is not an option."

Statement from Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President, Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel:

"Encouraging new investment to substantially improve the condition and performance of Michigan's transportation system is a top legislative priority of the Michigan Chamber. We are confident that following the Governor's lead to take bold action to restructure transportation funding and enacting meaningful reforms will create jobs and help move Michigan forward."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce