March 01, 2018 - 11:04 AM
LANSING, Mich. - The Latest on the Michigan Legislature's passage of additional spending on roads (all times local):
2 p.m.
The Michigan Legislature has unanimously approved a $175 million infusion into the state's roads, a 7 per cent boost over existing spending.
Thursday's votes come as drivers face potholes from this winter's freeze-thaw cycle. Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign the bill.
The money will be split among the state, counties, and cities and villages.
Laws passed in 2015 to spend significantly more to maintain roads are being phased in. Senate Democrats say that Republican-backed plan fell short. They unsuccessfully sought to add another $275 million in immediate spending on top of the $175 million influx.
Majority Republicans caution it will take time to improve roads because it took decades for them to deteriorate.
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11:55 a.m.
The Michigan Senate has unanimously approved a $175 million infusion into the state's roads, a 7 per cent boost over existing spending.
Thursday's vote comes as drivers face potholes from this winter's freeze-thaw cycle. The House will take a final vote this afternoon.
Gov. Rick Snyder proposed the additional $175 million for the next budget year. But Legislators decided it should be spent this year. The money would be split among the state, counties, and cities and villages.
Laws passed in 2015 to spend significantly more to maintain roads are being phased in. Senate Democrats say that Republican-backed plan fell short. They unsuccessfully sought to add another $275 million in immediate spending.
Majority Republicans caution it will take time to improve roads because it took decades for them to deteriorate.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018