COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION PARTNERSHIPS H.B. 4897:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
House Bill 4897 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Nate Shannon
House Committee: Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Senate Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend Public Act 51 of 1951, the Michigan Transportation Fund law, to allow a county road commission to enter an agreement with a county road commission of a non-adjacent county or with the Department of Transportation (MDOT) to perform work on roadways and to purchase and use machinery and equipment.
BRIEF RATIONALE
According to testimony before the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, many county road commissions lack the resources and funding to purchase certain equipment that, while necessary, may be too narrowly used or expensive to justify. Currently, county road commissions resolve this by partnering with other county road commissions and with MDOT; however, testimony indicates that it is unclear whether MDOT has the legal authority to participate in such partnerships. Accordingly, it has been suggested that the law be amended to authorize county road commissions to partner with each other and with MDOT.
Legislative Analyst: Abby Schneider
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would allow county road commissions to contract with non-adjacent counties in addition to adjacent counties, rather than with only adjacent county road commission for road work. It also would allow for the county road commissions to contract with MDOT for road work beyond State trunkline highways and connecting links. County road commissions also could contract with MDOT for the purchase and use of equipment. The bill would not have a direct fiscal impact on the State or local units of government. The bill could improve efficiency for road agencies.
Date Completed: 11-8-23 Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.