In The News
Michigan lawmakers pursue more funds for local roads
Faced with the seemingly never-ending pursuit of revenue to pay for transportation projects throughout the state, Michigan lawmakers have advanced multiple bills that would add funds for local roads. Meanwhile, a separate effort targeting unpaid parking tickets has met its demise.
The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would let county road commissions use more money from the Michigan Transportation Fund on the county local road system. HB4848 now moves back to the House for approval of changes before it goes to Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s desk.
State law now limits to 30 percent of a county road commission’s primary road system funds that can be used on the county local road system. Sponsored by Rep. Joel Sheltrown, D-West Branch, the bill would increase that threshold to 50 percent.
Made up mostly of revenue from fuel taxes and vehicle registrations, $593 million from the transportation fund is allotted to county road commissions in the current two-year fiscal period.
Another bill, which is also intended to boost road funding options for local governments, would repeal a ban on counties using general property tax revenue for road construction and maintenance. House lawmakers voted 106-1 to forward to the Senate a bill that would allow counties with a surplus of money in their general fund to use a portion of the revenue for road work.
HB5141 is in the Senate Local, Urban and State Affairs Committee.
A separate bill failed to get enough support from lawmakers. HB4726 sought to tap unpaid parking tickets to provide a boost for local governments.
The Senate voted 23-14 to kill a bill that would have allowed the state to block driver’s license renewals for people who accumulate three or more unpaid parking tickets. House lawmakers previously approved it.
Michigan law now requires six or more unpaid parking tickets from the same community before a hold can be put on a motorist’s driver’s license renewal. People found in violation can get their licenses renewed only after paying the overdue fines and a $45 clearance fee.
Supporters said that communities stood to receive a shot in the arm for transportation funding if the bill went through. In Detroit alone, the city has $30 million in parking tickets that are outstanding,
The Detroit News reported.
To view other legislative activities of interest for Michigan, click here
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