12/16/10-A bill died in the House that would have let county road commissions use more money from the Michigan Transportation Fund on the county local road system. The Senate previously approved it.
State law now limits to 30 percent the Michigan transportation tax revenues returned to counties that can be used on the county local road system, rather than on the county primary road system.
SB995 would have increased that threshold to 50 percent.

6/1/10-The Senate recently voted by unanimous consent to approve a bill that would let county road commissions use more money from the Michigan Transportation Fund on the county local road system. It has moved to the House for further consideration.
State law now limits to 30 percent the Michigan transportation tax revenues returned to counties that can be used on the county local road system, rather than on the county primary road system.
SB995 would increase that threshold to 50 percent.
Made up mostly of revenue from fuel taxes and vehicle registrations, $593 million from the transportation fund is allotted to the state’s 83 county road commissions in the current two-year fiscal period.
Local governments are getting creative in an effort to resolve funding issues. Trying to combat the cash crunch, two bills would benefit city and county governments looking to fill budget gaps.
The bill is in the House Transportation Committee. For bill status, call 517-373-2400.