At an impromt news conference today at the Pere Marquette Depot are, from left, City Commissioner Jim Irving, Mayor Chris Shannon and State Sen. Mike Green.
Senator Green Gets $500,000 for 2 City Bridges, Hopes for Permanent Fix
Street Repairs May Get Boost From Extra State General Fund Cash Windfall
June 11, 2011
By: Dave Rogers
Everybody knows the state of Michigan is broke, but State Sen. Mike Green, R-Mayville, was able to find some cash to maintain Liberty and Independence bridges in Bay City anyway.
Green announced today that he was able to include the half million dollars in the Michigan Department of Transportation budget for this year and plans to tap the gas tax fund under P.A. 51 for similar amounts annually in the future.
Two other under the radar aspects of the issue are:
Some calls were heard from citizens to shut the city bridges, a move considered unlikely but one that would concern state officials since it would disrupt traffic flows in the area;
The May state revenue conference showed some better numbers as the recession is easing, allowing the leeway for Bay City to gain dollars for the bridges.
"It's a matter of fairness," said Sen. Green about the Bay City bridges in a brief news conference with Mayor Chris Shannon who advocated for the funding.
"These bridges are a part of major road and shipping thoroughfares and they're critical to driving economic growth and tourism in this region and throughout Michigan," said Green, adding:
"While the entire region benefits, Bay City has shouldered the entire cost of keeping them open. the state will rightly take responsibility for their maintenance and operation in this year's budget."
The state already maintains Lafayette and Veterans Memorial bridges under P.A. 51, Green noted.
State Rep. Charles Brunner, Democrat, said he applauds Sen. Green's action and expressed hope the House would approve the measure as well.
City Manager Robert V. Belleman said the good news from the state, if confirmed by both houses of the legislature, will allow the city to "take a step back and look at the budget."
Mayor Shannon said the extra funds could be used to bolster the street fund and put a dent in a long list of desperately needed repairs.
Mr. Belleman said the total needed annually for street repairs is $1.5 to $2 million and that the proposed two mill tax proposed to be submitted to voters is still on the table.