Online tool boosts Michigan's future infrastructure efficiency

The Facts -

Michigan Infrastructure Council Launches Revolutionary Infrastructure Planning Tool

The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) has introduced the MIC Project Portal 2.0 (MiDIG), a groundbreaking online tool that encourages collaboration between public and private infrastructure asset managers at the beginning of project cycles. The "dig once" approach promoted by MiDIG aims to minimize disruption and costs by coordinating the installation of various utility lines during a single construction cycle.

"MiDIG is an essential addition to Michigan's infrastructure arsenal. This advanced platform will streamline projects, such as roads and bridges repairs, stormwater management enhancements, and utilities upgrades," says MIC Council Member, Beverly Watts. MiDIG stands to be a crucial element in creating sustainable infrastructure systems for future generations.

MiDIG offers streamlined infrastructure planning by integrating data from diverse resources and visualizing it on a geospatial map. It utilizes technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) to provide planners with a panoramic view of projects. Intelligent data analysis helps identify potential conflicts and overlaps, enabling early collaboration and mitigation strategies for cost-effective project execution.

MIC Chair Palencia Mobley, P.E., states that modernizing how infrastructure owners plan will maximize Michigan's infrastructure investments. The new functionality and usability offered by MiDIG could increase coordination and outcomes.

Michigan has a unique opportunity to implement transformative infrastructure, climate, and economic development projects thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and CHIPS and Science Act. With MiDIG, Michigan can optimize every infrastructure dollar, maximizing the return on investment for local communities.

Michigan has received over $10 billion for infrastructure development through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, says Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. MiDIG will assist in implementing a 'Dig Once' policy, synchronizing road, water, and broadband infrastructure works to save taxpayer dollars.

Besides MiDIG, MIC also provides the Asset Management Champions program. It is a free initiative that establishes a network to propagate best asset management practices across Michigan's intricate infrastructure landscape.

For more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Council, please visit www.michigan.gov/mic.

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