There were already plenty of potholes to be filled, and roads badly in need of other repairs, but the ravages of localized flooding in some areas will likely exacerbate the problem even more, so action today in the State House of Representatives may turn out to be little more than another band aid on a huge problem.
Nevertheless, it will be welcome money if the State Senate and Governor Rick Snyder concur with House action today that would increase funding to local, county and state road repairs and construction projects for 2018.
Today’s action in the House allocates $175-million in currently available funds across the state including more than $1.1-million for Berrien County, more than $669,000 for Van Buren, and beyond.
State Reps Kim LaSata, of Bainbridge Township, Beth Griffin of Mattawan and Brandt Iden of Oshtemo all voted today for increased those increased funding dollars to spent in the current year.
The House allocated $175 million in currently available funds across Michigan, including $1.15 million in Berrien County. Some of the additional dollars community-by-community break down to:
- Benton Harbor receiving $79,805
- Bridgman receiving $18,604
- Coloma receiving $12,879
- Saint Joseph receiving $59,446
- Stevensville receiving $11,391
- Watervliet receiving $13,745
- (See the linked list below for other local community allocations)
LaSata says, “Drivers are sick and tired of dodging potholes every time they back out of their driveway, go to local grocery store, or travel across the state.” She adds, “The situation is only going to get worse after this erratic winter. We have the money available to repair our roads now and we should take advantage of this opportunity instead of waiting another budget cycle.”
The money is left over from last year’s budget and currently available, which means this important investment can be made without raising taxes or fees, and without cutting important programs. The money included in the bill approved today comes in addition to previous changes that provide more funding for road and bridge projects across the state.
LaSata notes, “Southwest Michigan went from being battered by an extended snowstorm to 60-degree temperatures in a week,” and concluded, “Pothole season is already upon us and we need to protect our drivers by restoring our roads, bridges, and infrastructure.”
House Bill 4321 advances to the Senate for further consideration.
Roads in Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties would also benefit from that legislation.
Mirroring comments from LaSata, Rep. Beth Griffin says, “People are sick and tired of dodging potholes every time they drive.” She adds, “Investing more in our roads and bridges is consistently near the top of the priority list when I talk to people in the district. We have money available to give our road repairs a boost right now, and we can’t afford to miss this opportunity.”
In addition to state projects, the bill includes money for county, city and village roads throughout Michigan. Estimated local allocations include:
- Van Buren County ($669,434)
- Kalamazoo County ($1.45 million)
- Bangor ($16,859)
- Bloomingdale ($5,438)
- Breedsville ($3,181)
- Decatur ($15,706)
- Gobles ($7,365)
- Hartford ($20,464)
- Parchment ($13,490)
- South Haven ($41,315)
- Lawrence ($10,275)
- Lawton ($17,276)
- Mattawan ($20,619)
- Paw Paw ($26,487)
Rep. Brandt Iden of Oshtemo says, “We have experienced multiple thaws and freezes this winter and because of that, the roads have taken a toll.” He adds, “We have the opportunity to immediately increase our repair efforts and give all municipalities additional funding to make sure the quality of our roads improves.”
Here is a list of the monies allocated for all Michigan Counties:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/175M_Distribution_Estimates_for_County_613252_7.pdf
Here, too, is a list of the monies allocated for each City and Village:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/175M_Distribution_Estimates_for_CityVillage_613253_7.pdf
