This article originally appeared in ABC 12 News. Read more here.
Michigan’s new budget includes a record investment of nearly $2 billion annually to improve Michigan’s roads and transportation infrastructure.
Lawmakers from both parties approved and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of seven bills that shifts additional money toward state highways and local roads as part of the new state budget.
The funding plan dedicates an additional $1 billion annually from a sales and motor fuel tax swap starting Jan. 1 and allocates $420 million from marijuana tax revenue to road projects.
“We’re getting this done by ensuring every penny you pay at the pump goes towards our roads,” Whitmer said.
Additionally, $600 million will be shifted from individual to corporate income tax, with an extra $440 million phased in over time to ensure sustained infrastructure investment.
The new funding will be added to the Michigan Transportation Fund, which doles out road funding to county road commissions, cities and villages based on percentage formula.
“Our plan finally ensures every penny you pay at the pump goes to road funding, something people have demanded for years. And it sends that money to the local roads and bridges in our neighborhoods, instead of just state highways,” said Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall. “Those reforms will make our roads smoother and make life better for the people of Michigan.”
Some of the new funding includes $100 million each for repairing local bridges and enhancing public transit, along with $40 million for railroad crossing grade separation projects to improve safety and reduce congestion.
“There are no red or blue roads. This bipartisan plan is a win for all Michiganders,” said Republican State Rep. Tom Kunse of Clare. “Potholes don’t care who you voted for. When we work together, Michigan moves forward — one mile at a time.”