In an era when finding common ground can be difficult, there is one thing all Michiganders agree on: We deserve better roads.
We know this, because we hear it from our constituents every day.
As the leaders of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties, we have the most roads in the state and, unfortunately, some of the worst. Residents want action and we’re ready to do our part, but the law limits how far we can go on our own.
That’s why state leadership is so critical.
But we’re still waiting on a road funding plan from Lansing.
Encouragingly, both Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican House leadership have put serious road funding plans on the table.
While their proposals may differ in how to reach the goal, that goal remains the same: rebuilding and maintaining Michigan’s roads for the long term.
Now, the Senate’s leadership must play a key role in bringing this home.
Roads and bridges don’t vote red or blue, but Lansing must
Roads and infrastructure aren’t partisan, and we need both parties in Lansing to forge a bipartisan solution.
Our roads serve the needs of all Michigan residents, regardless of party affiliation.
Roads are how our kids get to school, how ambulances reach emergencies, how families travel to work and home. Strong infrastructure supports public safety, job growth and economic development.
Crumbling roads threaten all of that. Potholes may be a punchline, but they are no joke. The consequences are serious: damaged vehicles, delayed response times, missed opportunities for investment, and risks to public safety.
What makes the challenge even more urgent is that time is running out on funding.
Whitmer’s bonds bought time, but Michigan needs a permanent fix
Whitmer’s $3.5 billion bonding program has jump-started progress, but without a long-term, sustainable plan to replace it, we risk sliding back to the days of neglect and patchwork repairs.
Before the bonding program, only 20% of our roads were rated “good.” That’s now risen to 25%, but three-quarters of Michigan roads, nearly 100,000 miles, are still rated “fair” or “poor.” With the right plan, we can continue improving those numbers year after year.
To truly fix Michigan’s roads, estimates call for up to $3.9 billion in annual investment. That’s less than 5% of our state’s $80 billion budget. It’s a smart investment in safety, jobs and our future.
And the benefits go far beyond smoother commutes. Infrastructure work supports thousands of high-paying union jobs across skilled trades, engineering, materials, logistics, and more. Reliable funding would not only keep our workforce employed but also train the next generation of Michigan workers. A modern, well-maintained road network supports business growth and strengthens state and local revenues that fund vital services that support and protect our citizens.
So now is the time for bipartisan compromise.
It is critical that we get this done before the current funding runs out. Our economy, safety, and future depend on it.
David Coulter is the Oakland County executive. Warren C. Evans is the Wayne County executive. Mark Hackel is the Macomb County executive. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan’s leaders still talking while drivers are dodging potholes | Opinion
Reporting by David Coulter, Warren C. Evans and Mark Hackel / Detroit Free Press
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