A bill headed to the Michigan governor would ensure two of the state’s largest counties do not lose critical road funding.
State lawmakers this fall took up consideration of a bill to address concerns about the state’s Transportation Economic Development Fund. The fund is a state-restricted transportation fund established to help cover costs of highway, road and street improvements.
It has five categorical programs, including the urban congestion relief program. Funds are distributed to counties according to population.
Congestion relief funds are limited to five urban counties: Genesee, Kent, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne.
Oakland County receives the largest portion of funds – 40%. Macomb County is next with 20% of the funds. Wayne County get 16% of the funds, and Genesee and Kent counties each collect 12%.
The population thresholds and distribution amounts have been in place for nearly 40 years.
Changes in Michigan county populations reported in the 2020 census altered the suballocation of funds for congestion relief in the affected counties.
Specifically, population growth in Kent County puts it in the same category as Macomb County. As a result, the counties could soon be forced to share congestion relief funds that previously were allocated solely to Macomb County.
Triggered
The Michigan Senate voted unanimously to advance legislation that would revise urban county population ranges used in distributing Transportation Economic Development Fund money for projects meant to reduce congestion.
Sponsored by Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, HB5922 would increase the population threshold for Macomb County to ensure the locale retains more than $1 million to help alleviate traffic congestion. As a result, Kent and Macomb counties would see the same funding distribution as in the past.
“With unanimous support in the Senate, we’ve demonstrated that this issue transcends party lines,” Greene said in prepared remarks. “These funds are essential for keeping our roads safe and reducing congestion.”
She added that “this solution ensures fairness and stability in both counties.”
Ed Noyola of the County Road Association of Michigan added that statehouse action was necessary now because the 2020 census figures were recently certified by the Michigan Department of Transportation. He said certification is the trigger for the department to do its calculations based on the population threshold.
HB5922 now moves to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk. House lawmakers previously approved it on a 96-13 vote. LL
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