Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the disbursement of Neighborhood Roads Funds, the first under an historic long-term road funding deal
The announcement means agencies across Michigan are seeing their first payments from the fund aimed at rebuilding state and local roads, bridges, and transit. The nearly $2 billion annual investment is designed to keep pace with the state’s evolving infrastructure needs, officials said.
“Fixing the damn roads means less wear on your car, a smoother drive, and safer travel for every Michigander,” Whitmer said. “I ran on fixing the damn roads, and I am proud to keep my promise and get it done with last year’s balanced, bipartisan budget. We’re making a historic investment of nearly $2 billion to fix state and local roads, creating tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and lowering costs for drivers across Michigan. Today’s disbursement will build on the progress we have made to fix the damn roads and create a stronger Michigan.”
The funding will help boost existing road and bridge projects, the state said while committing additional funds to other projects, including $100 million to repair and replace local bridges, $100 million for public transit, and $40 million for rail grade separation projects that will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.
“The local roads Michiganders drive on everyday are getting a major investment,” Michigan state Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) said. “With nearly $2 billion in new funding, we’re giving communities across Michigan the resources they need to transform their pothole ridden roads into safer, smoother paths for folks to get around— all while creating thousands of good-paying jobs along the way.”