The
County Road Association and
MDOT have teamed up with the
Michigan Infrastructure
and Transportation Association to
develop several legislative proposals to generate more road
funding. The Washtenaw County Road
Commission supports these efforts. In spite of all of
the recent investments, our paved road system ranks 4th worst in
the state, our bridges are not much better, and our gravel roads
are in need of major investments.
So how did it get this way?
In Michigan, road funding comes from fuel taxes and vehicle
registration fees collected by the state. These funds are
distributed to road agencies based upon the miles of roads and
population in the county. When you compare the total per
capita state and local road funding for Michigan over the last 40
years, we are ranked as 44th lowest in money spent on roads.
Is it all about the money?
Yes, and in addition to road and bridge maintenance, we
have major expenditures each winter to clear the roads and bridges
so motorists continue to travel safely all year long.
Why now?
- The gas tax has been capped at 19 cents per gallon since 1997
- The construction cost index has increased by over 100%
- The diesel tax has been capped at 15 cents per gallon since 1984
- Truck traffic with its associated road damage now accounts for 70% of freight moved in Michigan
What is being proposed?
The funding proposal includes:
converting the per gallon gas and diesel tax to a percentage of
the wholesale price, increasing vehicle registration fees, and
providing local funding options. Some of the legislative
bills have been introduced; the remaining bills should be
introduced this month. Now is the time to contact your State Representatives and Senators to let them know what
you think about the proposals.
A message from Steven Puuri, WCRC Managing Director
Additional Resources
No excuses - Fix Michigan's
roads Now!
County Road Association of Michigan
Attention Michigan Drivers video:
http://www.youtube.com
