The new state budget sets aside nearly $2 billion more for local road work, something lawmakers accomplished by establishing a new 24% marijuana tax and shifting around gas tax revenues.
Van Buren County Road Commission Managing Director Bret Witkowski tells us he’s been in close contact with the County Road Association of Michigan as the budget came together. Republican lawmakers initially sought even more road money.
“Initially, it started out as a $3 billion increase that was agreed upon by pretty much all sides,” Witkowski said. “It’s going to end up being $1.8 to $2 billion.”
While the $1.8 billion the Legislature did come up with is less than the original target, Witkowski said it would be unrealistic for anyone to complain. The need may be great, but he says the Van Buren County Road Commission will get about $4.3 million more next year thanks to the new budget.
“Anything’s better than what we’ve been getting. I ran our numbers — revenue through the gas tax from 2020 to the end of September. During that period, $8 million behind the rate of inflation. So we are losing about one and a half million dollars just to keep up with inflation.”
Meanwhile, the Berrien County Road Department will see about $7.3 million more in road money next year, while the Cass County Road Commission will get about $3.4 million more.
Witkowski says he is anticipating more inflation in road construction costs, so major projects could still be delayed.
