Runestad testifies before MI Senate Panel on his roads bill

Senator Jim Runestad testified Wednesday before the Michigan Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on his bill that would help maximize local road funds. Senate Bill 518 would require all federal transportation funds received by the state to be spent at the Michigan Department of Transportation, except funds specifically allocated at the federal level for local jurisdictions or funds allocated to local jurisdictions through a competitive process.

"Certain restrictions, reporting requirements and other red tape that all come with federal transportation funding make it much more difficult for local agencies to work with this money than it is for large state departments, such as MDOT," said Runestad of White Lake. "Local agencies will be able to focus their resources more efficiently with the state handling all federal transportation funds and reporting requirements."

A companion bill sponsored by Senator Michael D. MacDonald, would use state funds to replace the federal dollars directed to MDOT under SB 518 - directing funds from the State Trunkline Fund to counties, cities, and villages. Both measures are part of a 10-bill package aimed at improving the way roads are built and taking a more comprehensive look at improving the state's utilization and oversight of road funding.