AASHTO Journal, 3 January 2014
Several Michigan legislators announced late last month that more than 100 state and local transportation projects will move forward with some funding from its Roads and Risks Reserve (RRR) Fund.
The Legislature created the RRR Fund as part of its fiscal year 2014 General Government budget, using $230 million in “one-time General Fund revenue,” according to Michigan Department of Transportation. Half of that $230 million total was available for appropriation on Oct. 1 of last year, while the other half can be appropriated for roads on Feb. 1.
“By creating the Roads and Risks Reserve Fund, the Legislature acknowledges the vital need for investing in Michigan’s transportation system,” said MDOT Director Kirk Steudle in a statement. “MDOT appreciates this additional funding, and we will continue working with lawmakers and Gov. Snyder to identify a long-term solution to maintain infrastructure to support Michigan’s economic comeback.”
State legislators across Michigan simultaneously announced funding for their own districts through press conferences, stating support for the RRR Fund and highlighting projects close to home that will receive funding.
“These important road projects are good news to Michigan’s hardworking men and women and another positive step for the state to help create and attract more jobs,” said Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger. “We were able to prioritize existing taxpayer dollars to make needed improvements to Michigan roads and bridges statewide. As I’ve said before, however, this is just a down payment so we must continue to seek common sense ways to improve roads even more.”
Examples of work completed with the help of this funding are road resurfacing, bridge maintenance, roadway reconstruction, bike lane additions, American Disability Act compliant ramps, etc.
A full list of projects that will benefit from the Roads and Risks Reserve Fund is available here.