Measure improves facilities for road improvements

State Rep. Greg Markkanen this week testified before the House Transportation Committee in support of a plan to help county road commissions to improve their facilities and fix Michigan roads.

Under current Michigan law, county roads commission have only up to 15 years to make payments when purchasing property for public use. Markkanen’s plan would double that timeframe, allowing road commissions up to 30 years to complete purchases.

Gregg Patrick of the Keweenaw County Road Commission testified with Rep. Markkanen in support of the bill.

The plan was brought forward to Rep. Markkanen by Keweenaw County residents.

“Construction season is here and local county road commissions need all the help they can get to improve our Michigan roads,” said Markkanen, of Hancock. “This plan will help local county road commissions in Keweenaw County and across the state have more flexibility on payments when purchasing property. That should translate to savings that can go into road repairs.”

No parties were in opposition and MDOT was neutral on the plan.

House Bill 4120 remains under consideration in the Transportation Committee.

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