The cooperation of state and local leaders, road interests and environmentalists will result in a change in philosophy for Michigan road policy. A new law now requires universal reporting standards on road conditions and transportation spending, and makes road maintenance a priority over expansion or new construction.

This policy change comes after data showing that despite the state spending hundreds of millions of dollars maintaining roads under the Build Michigan programs of the last decade, the condition of state highways has continued to deteriorate. In fact, information obtained from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) shows that over 50% of the roads have fewer than seven years of surface life left before they will need to be compactly rehabilitated. However, MDOT continues to claim that the department is on track in reaching its goal of having 90% of Michigan roads in "good" condition by 2007.

The discrepancies are linked to the flexibility afforded by definitions in our state transportation law, Public Act 51 of 1951. First, road expansion could be considered "maintenance." And second, the definition of a "good" road was not regulated. Recognizing these conflicts, a study committee was appointed and suggested the definition of maintenance be revised to reflect a more accurate description. It also advised implementing standard reporting mechanisms.

New language signed into law reflects these recommendations and will revolutionize the way Michigan spends and reports transportation dollars. New construction and road expansion is expressly prohibited under a new definition of maintenance in Public Act 498 of 2002. Further, Public Act 499 of 2002 creates an asset management council, which will set standards for reporting mechanisms that require local road agencies and the MDOT to report the condition of their roads and the amount spent on maintenance.

Council created to set standards

The first members appointed to the Transportation Asset Management Council are:

• Steven Warren, Deputy Director/Director of Planning, Kent County Road Commission, and William McEntee, Director of Permits & Environment, Road Commission of Oakland County, both representing the County Road Association of Michigan;
  
• Thomas Wieczorek, City Manager, Ionia, and John Kolessar, City Engineer, Bay City, both representing the Michigan Municipal League;
  
• Carmine Palombo, Director, Transportation Programs, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and Rick Deuell, Planner, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, both representing the Michigan Association of Regions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations;
  
• Louis Lambert, Deputy Director of Transportation Planning, MDOT, and Kirk Steudle, Bay Region Engineer, MDOT, both representing that department;
  
• John Elzinga, Delhi Township Supervisor, representing the Michigan Townships Association; and
  
• Aaron Hopper, a Chippewa County Commissioner, representing the Michigan Association of Counties.