The Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee voted out SB 777 that included and additional $115 million in road funding to be distributed between MDOT, counties, and cities and villages. From that $115 million cities and villages would receive $25 million. An amendment was added to the budget that would disperse the money in one lump sum payment in November of 2014 and not spread out the payments over the fiscal year. This bill will now go before the full Senate for a vote.

Also included in the budget was $2 million for the Regional Transit Authority for non-operational expenses.

This budget fails to address the long-term road funding needs in Michigan. The committee spoke about this at length and expressed their commitment to finding a solution. The League will continue to work with our partners in the Senate on this issue and we appreciate their continued efforts to solve Michigan’s infrastructure needs.

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.