This article originally appeared in WEYI Mid-Michigan Now. Read more here.
Michigan’s roads are at the center of a funding debate as House Republicans and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have introduced competing plans to allocate over $3 billion for road improvements. Both plans aim to invest in local roads, but they differ on funding sources.
A significant aspect of the Republican proposal is to redirect all fuel tax revenue exclusively to road funding. Currently, a portion of this tax also supports schools. Republican Representative Matthew Bierlein assured that schools would not lose funding under their plan.
“We’re going to fund schools, but we’re going to fund schools, you know, through the funding that already exists. We’re going to keep them funded fully,” said Bierlein. He added that there are ways to adjust next year’s budget to ensure both schools and roads receive necessary funds.
Governor Whitmer expressed her willingness to collaborate with legislative leaders to find a balanced solution. “I am looking forward to working with Speaker Hall, Majority Leader Brinks, and others in the state legislature to find a commonsense solution that will keep fixing our roads without slashing vital funding for public schools, safety, or health, or forcing commuters to pay more,” she said.
Both plans emphasize the need to repair surface roads heavily used by commuters. Local townships, often with limited budgets, struggle to maintain their roads, which have suffered increased wear due to detours from construction sites.
The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association warned of an impending “funding cliff” as current resources dwindle. “There’s an urgency because the funding does run out, which could potentially lose jobs in our state, jobs that won’t return back to Michigan or find other jobs in other industries. They will take those skills and go elsewhere,” says Lance Binoniemi, who is the VP of Government Affairs for MITA.
Michigan allocates millions annually for road and bridge repairs, yet more than 28,000 lane miles remain in poor condition, highlighting the urgent need for a sustainable funding solution.