Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed a $3 billion plan to increase funding to fix Michigan roads.
“Since day one, I’ve been focused on fixing the damn roads, and while I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, there’s still a lot more to do,” said Whitmer in a release from press secretary Stacey LaRouche. “Today, I’m excited to introduce my brand-new plan that provides a long-term, sustainable solution to fix our roads so we can help more Michiganders stay safe on the road, save money, and get where they’re going faster. My plan is fiscally responsible and balanced, with both new revenue and cuts so we can lower costs for families. I’m grateful to Speaker Hall for sharing this priority, and I look forward to working with him and both parties in the legislature to get this done.”
The $3 billion plan allocates more than $1 billion to fix roads in local communities.
In her proposed plan, called the “MI Road Ahead” plan, Whitmer wants to raise $1.7 billion in additional revenue from corporations and technology companies.
“To deliver goods and services to Michiganders these corporations haul heavy weights using semi-trucks that deteriorate roads and bridges faster than commuter vehicles,” according to the release. “They also bombard Michiganders with nuisance pop up advertisements that inconvenience consumers.”
The plan doesn’t provide further details on how she plans to make these corporations pay, but it will “make sure that corporations pay their fair share to do business in Michigan and rebuild roads proportionally to the damage they cause,” according to the release from Whitmer’s office.
In addition, the plan proposes $1.2 million toward roads, bridges, and transit across the state from taxes Michigan residents pay at the gas pump.
“Right now, Michigan drivers pay a federal and state gas tax plus a 6% state sales tax on every gallon of gas but not all of that goes toward roads,” according to the release. “Under laws set by previous administrations, 25% of those funds are diverted away from fixing the roads, leaving a gap in funding.”
The proposed plan also includes cutting costs to put an additional $500 million into road and bridge repairs. Specific details about what cuts would be made were not included in the release.
Under the plan, Whitmer also wants to get rid of the exemption the marijuana industry has from wholesale tax, which would add $470 million in road funding.
In addition, $250 million will be invested in local bus service and new transit projects across Michigan.
“I’m very pleased that the governor has put forward a comprehensive solution to funding Michigan’s roads,” said MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “The governor’s Rebuilding Michigan plan has made record-setting progress shoring up our state’s busiest roads and bridges, and this plan will allow MDOT and local agencies to sustain that momentum.”
