CHICAGO -- The Michigan Senate was poised Thursday to approve a plan to give local governments $100 million to help with road repairs needed after the long winter.
The senate appropriations committee passed the measure Thursday morning.
The state would shift the money from a $115 million reserve fund for special road projects. The bill would divide the funding equally among the state and counties -- with each getting $39.1 million -- and give the remaining $21.8 million to municipalities.
The projects that were in line for the $115 million in the reserve fund will be put on hold, according to local reports.
The legislation comes after a long winter packed with heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that have taken a toll on most roads.
Highway and road funding is a controversial issue in Michigan. Gov. Rick Snyder has repeatedly pushed for the Legislature to drum up an additional $1 billion in annual revenue for maintenance and upkeep. Lawmakers have declined to pass Snyder's proposal, though they have voted for one-time appropriations.
The House still needs to vote on the measure, which is part of a $360 million supplemental budget bill. Another $73 million will go for Medicaid expansion.
