Category Archives: Transportation, Transit

Legislation Allowing Angled Parking on State Trunklines Passes Committee

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Currently state statute prohibits angled parking on state trunklines in Michigan. As more and more communities look to reinvent their downtown’s there is a great need for flexibility to help create vibrant and livable spaces. Many of our cities and villages across Michigan have state trunklines that are a main street through their downtown. HB 5073 would allow a municipality to work with MDOT and receive authorization to have angled parking on a trunkline.

The need to change this statue was brought to us by the City of West Branch. This bill is being sponsored by Representative Pettalia in the House and Senator Casperson in the Senate. With support from the League and  MDOT, the bill was unanimously voted out of House Transportation Committee. We are appreciate of the efforts of these sponsors and look forward to working with them to continue moving this bill forward.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

Vulnerable Roadway User Legislation Pedals Forward

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House Criminal Justice Committee this week voted out HB 5080. This bill would increase the penalties for a driver who committed a moving violation that injured a killed a vulnerable roadway user on a roadway who was in compliance with the vehicle code.

A vulnerable roadway user is defined a pedestrian, a wheelchair user, a bicyclist, or a person operating a transportation device that is in compliance with the Michigan Vehicle Code such as an electric assist bicycle or wheelchair.

Also moving the week was HB 4866 which would add an outward extended right arm as an allowable indicator for a right hand turn while riding a bicycle. This legislation in moving on to the Senate after being voted unanimously out of the House.

The Michigan Municipal League Supports both of these bills.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-905-0303.

ORV Legislation Signed by the Governor

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With the help of the Michigan Municipal League the Governor signed three pieces of legislation that improve access and local control over the use of ORVs in Michigan.

Senate Bill 50 would allow the DNR to create free ORV riding days. These would be similar to the free fishing weekends currently established by the DNR and would allow riders to use Michigan’s trail system without purchasing a license.

House Bill 4284 would establish a process for local units of government to approach MDOT with a request allowing ORV use on State Trunklines within their jurisdiction. It would also limit MDOTs ability to designate State Trunklines for ORV use for the purpose of connecting trails for access to food, fuel, or lodging, without consulting with the affected local units of government.

House Bill 4299 would expand the ability of a local unit of government to pass an ordinance allowing or preventing the use of ORVs on roadways under their jurisdiction in all 83 counties.

Through discussion with the sponsors of these bills all of the League’s requests to protect local control were met resulting in support from the League on these bills.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

Scrap Tire Grants Available Through DEQ

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The Department of Environmental Quality announced the availability of grant applications for the fiscal year 2014 Scrap Tire Market Development Program and the Scrap Tire Cleanup Program.

The Scrap Tire Market Development Program Grants are available to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing scrap tires to support the development of increased markets for scrap tires. Grants are also available to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing equipment and/or for research and development to provide for a new or increased use for scrap tires. More information can be found here.

FY14 Market Development PRESS RELEASE

The Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant Program is available to property owners with abandon scrap tires or scrap tires at collection sites. The DEQ will give priority to funding activities at collection sites where the scrap tires were accumulated prior to January 1, 1991, and collection sites that pose an imminent threat to public health, safety, welfare, or the environment. More information can be found here.

FY14 Cleanup Grant PRESS RELEASE

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@ml.org or 517-908-0303.

 

Transportation Asset Management Fall Conference

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The Annual Fall Asset Management Conference will be taking place in Escanaba, Michigan on Thursday October 24th. This will be a great opportunity for you or DPW/City Engineer to get caught up to date on the latest in Transportation Asset Management. Michigan Municipal League Executive Director Dan Gilmartin will be participating in a panel discussion outlining the views of MML on various transportation issues. The brochure for the conference can be found below.

2013 Fall Asset Management Conference Brochure

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

 

Timeliness Report for Bridge Safety Inspections for Local Agencies Released by MDOT

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MDOT has released the the timeliness report for bridge safety inspections for local agencies. A copy of the report can be found below.

Local Summary Sept 2013

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

League Testifies in Support of Vulnerable Roadway User Legislation

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Today the Michigan Municipal League offered their support for legislation that would help strengthen protections for Vulnerable Roadway Users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. Under HB 4792 and HB 4799 a person who commits a moving violation and injures or kills a Vulnerable Roadway User would be subject to fines, community service, or imprisonment.

The League has advocated for complete streets and talked about the importance of creating livable communities that support the safe interaction of all modes of transportation. Support for this legislation helps further that advocacy.

The House Criminal Justice committee did not vote on this legislation today but we are hopeful that these bills will be voted on in the near future.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

Applications Being Accepted for Federal Lands Access Program

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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Eastern Federal Lands (EFL) Division will be accepting applications for Federal Lands Access Program funding via electronic submittal through October 4, 2013.

Projects eligible for FLAP funding include transportation facilities such as public highway, road, bridge, trail, or transit system that is located on, adjacent to, or provides access to Federal lands for which title or maintenance responsibility is vested in a State, county, town, township, municipal, or local government.

For further information on how to apply please see the following letter sent to the League by MDOT. Call for Projects FLAP Program

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling Transportation issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

ORV Legislation Another Step Closer to the Governor’s Desk

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This week the the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Great Lakes moved three bills designed to help expand ORV use in Michigan for residents and tourists.

Senate Bill 50 would allow the DNR to create free ORV riding days. These would be similar to the free fishing weekends currently established by the DNR and would allow riders to use Michigan’s trail system without purchasing a license.

House Bill 4284 would establish a process for local units of government to approach MDOT with a request allowing ORV use on State Trunklines within their jurisdiction. It would also allow MDOT to designate State Trunklines for ORV use for the purpose of connecting trails or for access to food, fuel ,or lodging.

House Bill 4299 would expand the ability of a local unit of government to pass an ordinance allowing or preventing ORVs on roadways under their jurisdiction to all 83 counties.

Through discussion with the sponsors of these bills the League has worked to improve our communities local control over ORVs while maintaining high safety standards for riders, increasing access to trails and promoting tourism in Michigan.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling Transportation issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.

Representative Lauwers and Representative Callton to Host Transportation Town Halls

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Please mark you calendars and spread the word about more transportation towns halls coming up this month.

  •  Representative Dan Lauwers, Tuesday June 25th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Location: St. Clair County RESA, Woodward Development Center Cafeteria, 499 Range Road Marysville, MI 48040
  • Representative Mike Callton, Tuesday June 25th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Location: Ionia County Commission on Aging, 115 Hudson St., Ionia, MI 48846

We encourage you to attend these town halls and help spread the League’s message about funding a complete transportation system that is built to support all users.

 

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.