I have been living in the vicinity of Tawas and East Tawas for years. The current state of the highway with four lanes and a turning lane works well and serves our community efficiently. However, the new road proposal threatens to disrupt this balance and cause unnecessary congestion on our roads. The convenience and safety of residents should be the foremost priority when implementing such changes.

According to a report from the Federal Highway Administration, road congestion has increased by 20% over the last five years in several states. It is estimated that traffic congestion costs American citizens $87 billion per year in wasted time and fuel costs. Hence it is vital for our health, economy, and peace of mind to maintain the efficiency of our highway system. I urge you to reconsider the proposed changes and support our effort to keep US 23 in its present state. The change poses a direct impact on our commuting time, living expenses and most importantly, our daily lives. Join me to have our voices heard. Sign this petition. Let's make a difference for our community.