LANSING, Mich. — The Senate on Thursday approved MI Safe Drive, a budget supplemental that would dedicate $1.3 billion in federal funding to fix bridges in severe condition throughout the state, including several in the Upper Peninsula’s 38th Senate District.
“I am pleased we were able to get some bipartisan support to approve much needed funding to fix the many bridges throughout the U.P. and the rest of Michigan, without giving the bill to local governments or residents,” said Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township. “I am hopeful that my colleagues in the House and the governor will swiftly approve the plan so we can get these bridges fixed as soon as possible and restore peace of mind to Michiganians and visitors as they travel our state.”
Senate Bill 529 would use $1.3 billion in federal recovery funds to fix bridges across the state in severe condition. Of the nearly 12,000 bridges in Michigan, 7,038 are managed by local municipalities and over 400 of them are in critical need of repairs. SB 529 would fund repairs for bridges in severe condition.
“Local road agencies are dealing with all sorts of bridge repair problems, primarily due to costs, not the least of which is the impact to weight limits,” McBroom said. “The funding in this plan will help address those and other factors contributing to bridges’ severe condition status.”
SB 529 now goes to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
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