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Michigan Senate OKs transportation budget with cuts

Truckers and other observers who know all too well the problem of transportation funds being raided to prop up other budgets could be doing a double take at action in the Michigan statehouse.

The Senate voted 21-17 on Tuesday, May 18, to approve their version of Michigan’s transportation budget for next year. It includes a provision to take $84 million from other transportation funds to be used for road and bridge work.

No tax increases are included in the bill, SB1167, which has advanced to the House.

Supporters say trimming the budget would allow the state to secure $475 million in federal matching money to benefit roads and bridges.

Opponents, including the Michigan Department of Transportation, say it is a bad idea to reduce funding available for other important uses. Areas of the transportation budget that would be adversely affected by the reshuffling include state welcome centers and highway maintenance.

In April, MDOT announced plans to help make ends meet by moving forward with a reduced road and bridge program for the fiscal year beginning in October.

Sen. Bill Hardiman, R-Kentwood, said difficult decisions have to be made. Despite calls from some organizations and lawmakers to increase fuel taxes, Hardiman pointed out that the Senate-approved budget avoids boosting gas and diesel taxes.

“Michigan needs a new way of attracting private investment and jobs. Raising a tax at this time sends the wrong message on both accounts,” Hardiman said in a statement.

An analysis from the Senate Fiscal Agency shows that the proposed shifts in the MDOT budget would result in a $40 million reduction in highway maintenance. There would be less money for such things as snowplowing, fixing potholes and repairing guardrails.

Half of the state’s 14 welcome centers would also face permanent or seasonal shutdowns. Facilities with the lowest annual attendance rates could be on the chopping block if available funds aren’t enough to continue operation of the rest areas.

MDOT would be responsible for coming up with another way to keep facilities open. Partnering with private groups to relocate and operate similar facilities is one option.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and professional drivers are in favor of any efforts that would allow facilities and their critical parking to stay open.

Also included in the Senate budget is a provision addressing the proposed Detroit River International Crossing. MDOT would be prohibited from putting money toward the project connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, unless state lawmakers and the governor approve legislation allowing construction.

The Senate budget bill is awaiting further consideration in the House Appropriations Committee.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Michigan, click here.

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected].

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