LANSING – Michigan again ranks first in the nation in the use of information technology to transform and improve government, according to the latest Digital States Survey.

The survey is conducted every two years and Michigan retained its top ranking from the previous survey taken in 2004.

The accolades come on the heels of another No. 1 ranking accorded to the

State of Michigan’s official web site by the Center for Digital Government, the first time Michigan received that award.

Much of the credit goes toTeri Takai, Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology, who was appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in February 2003 to take charge of technology for Michigan government. Since taking the post, Takai has focused on providing more and more government services online so that Michigan citizens and businesses find it easier to obtain services and do business with the state.

?I was thrilled when learning that we had been ranked number one again,? Takai said. ?It?s rare to see back-to-back winners, as there are so many states out there doing wonderful things in government technology. This provides independent validation that we are still on the right track and that our partnerships with all of the state agencies is bringing value and benefits to those who live and work here in Michigan.?

The 2006 Digital States Survey is the nation?s original and only sustaining survey of state governments? use of technology in serving the citizen. The top ten states from the survey are:

1st Michigan

2nd Virginia

3rd Ohio

4th Utah

5th Arizona

6th Arkansas

7th South Dakota

8th Kentucky

9th Wisconsin

10th Tennessee

“With the right leadership, state governments can leverage information technology to greater enhance operations and serve their citizens,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center. ?The states in the top 10 continue to advance 21st century governance and show their commitment to the future viability of their states.”

Governor Granholm will accept the award on behalf of the State of Michigan at a date and time to be named later.