State Rep. Jack O’Malley, chair of the House Transportation Committee, this week continued instrumental work in advancing legislation that will help local communities as they explore road repair projects.

House Bill 4476, sponsored by state Rep. Gary Eisen (R-St. Clair) and overwhelmingly advanced by the committee, raises requirements for competitive bidding with construction projects. The limit would move from $100,000 to $500,000 under the plan, allowing local agencies to work on small and medium-sized projects.

“Competition is traditionally a good thing,” O’Malley said. “It means the best outfit for the job can be selected and road work will get done for the taxpayers – and drivers – who use the roads and help fund the work.”

O’Malley has been at the forefront of bipartisan legislation giving local road commissions and municipalities more tools to work with when it comes to fixing roads with existing funds. The bills are a product of several town halls O’Malley attended throughout the state during his first legislative term. Input from residents, local officials and road builders was taken into account to develop a better way of improving infrastructure.

HB 4476 advances to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. Hearings will continue on related plans when the committee reconvenes in January.