Detroit City Wire

The condition of Michigan's roads has been a long-standing issue, often becoming a topic for political campaigns. According to a March report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, the state ranks 40th in the US for overall road conditions. The Transportation Asset Management Council's annual report indicates that nearly one-third of all assessed lane miles across Michigan are in poor condition, with projections suggesting this will increase to 38% by 2030 and 46% by 2036.

State leaders are being urged to address this issue with concrete solutions rather than empty promises. Earlier this year, the Michigan House proposed a bipartisan plan aimed at providing long-term funding for road repairs without increasing taxes on residents. This plan would redirect over $3 billion from existing annual revenue towards road maintenance while maintaining support for education and public safety.

Under this proposal, communities in need would receive increased funding. For example, Rochester is projected to receive more than $2.2 million (a 149.7% increase), Rochester Hills over $14.8 million (a 148.9% increase), Troy more than $17 million (a 150.7% increase), and Utica over $884,000 (a 179.3% increase) based on estimates from the House Fiscal Agency.

Additionally, all of Michigan's counties would see an uptick in road funding, including Oakland County receiving an additional $141.6 million (109.9%) and Macomb County getting $90.5 million (109.9%), with similar increases anticipated for Ingham, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

However, the proposal is currently stalled in the state Senate committee stage. Concerns were raised when the Senate majority leader expressed doubts about reaching an agreement on long-term road funding without raising taxes during last week's Mackinac Policy Conference.

In recent years, proposals from the governor have included an unpopular gas tax increase and a bond maneuver that added $3.5 billion in debt without addressing local roads adequately.

Currently, Democrat leaders have not presented any alternative plans for consideration despite passing a state budget proposal with an unfunded placeholder of $3 billion for road improvements last month.

Senator Michael Webber emphasized that "the people of Michigan do not need more taxes," but instead require "reliable roads and a government that prioritizes them."