In Lansing, Republicans Thursday rolled out a new plan to pay for fixing and maintaining roads and bridges. House Speaker Jase Bolger says he hopes to have the legislation finalized in time for the summer construction season.
Bolger says frustration with the condition of Michigan’s roads is ramping up pressure on lawmakers to do something. He says the recent thaw is revealing just how bad things got over this past winter.
“Spring is breaking, but so are our roads.”
While not a complete solution, the state House Republican proposal would generate about half a billion dollars. Part of that would come from scrapping the current gas and diesel taxes, and replacing them with a 6 percent tax on the wholesale price of fuel. There would be new fees on heavy trucks and more incentives to ensure roads are built to last.
“We’re talking about those who build the roads then having the responsibility for maintaining the roads,” he says. “To make sure it’s built properly.”
“We’re now in a situation today where our state, Michigan, the state that put America on wheels, is now widely regarded as having the worst roads in the country. That is unacceptable,” says Rich Studley, the president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which has been pushing for more road revenue.
Bolger’s proposal falls short of the $1.2 billion dollars Governor Rick Snyder says is needed to ensure adequate roads.
