Mr. Bruce also criticized the boulevard concept for the same reasons. Citizens pointed out that Northeast Michigan's economy is based on recreation and tourism tied to undeveloped land, which would be harmed by a new freeway. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs in 1995 passed a statewide resolution supporting the improvement of the existing US-23 highway. FHWA found that MDOT's plan did not adequately consider promising alternatives. Several national studies show that states cannot build their way out of congestion.
New highways bring even more traffic, sprawl, and loss of open space.
The Michigan Land Use Institute is an independent, non-profit research, educational and service organization founded in 1995. The Institute's mission is to establish an approach to economic development that strengthens communities, enhances opportunity and protects Michigan's unmatched natural resources. The Institute runs the Michigan Transportation and Land Use Coalition, with 23 member groups working to improve public transit, fix roads first, promote bicycling and walking, and stop sprawl.