State Roundup

Lansing Michigan public transit group seeks investment LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan Public Transit Association says high gasoline prices provide fresh incentive for more investment in public transportation systems. The group Tuesday started a campaign aimed at supporting funding for public bus and other mass transit options. The association says it supports provisions in Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's budget proposal that would boost funding for public transportation and preserve funding for bus operations. The association says ridership in some public transit systems is increasing as consumers seek a reprieve from escalating gasoline prices. AAA Michigan says gasoline prices statewide were averaging $4.10 a gallon Monday. The auto club says the statewide average is about $1.26 per gallon higher than last year at this time. Fowlerville Motorcyclist dies after crash into police cruiser FOWLERVILLE, Mich. (AP) -- Authorities say a 20-year-old motorcyclist has died after crashing into the rear of a police cruiser on Interstate 96 during a chase in Livingston County. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus of Howell that the crash occurred about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday near Folwerville after a sheriff's deputy clocked Carl Albert Stamm IV traveling at 104 mph. He says a second deputy's radar showed him at 114 mph. Bezotte says the department alerted Fowlerville police and the two deputies tried to catch the East Lansing motorcyclist, who sped up to 130 mph. Bezotte says a Fowlerville officer got on the interstate ahead of the motorcyclist and the patrol car was struck. Authorities closed part of westbound I-96 about 50 miles northwest of Detroit for the investigation. Published: Wed, May 18, 2011