State Rep. Donni Steele (R-Orion Township) yesterday chaired a successful and well-attended meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Local Transportation at Macomb Community College, drawing a crowd of local officials, community members, and media. The committee gathered to examine Michigan’s road funding, infrastructure planning, and material supply challenges.

“This discussion gave both lawmakers and the public a better understanding of the real-world issues affecting our roads,” said Steele. “People care deeply about where their tax dollars go, and it was clear from the turnout that they want real and effective change when it comes to fixing our local roads.”

The subcommittee heard from several presenters, including the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, the Michigan Aggregates Association, SEMCOG, Macomb County, and Shelby Township officials. Topics included construction planning, the high cost of materials, permitting delays, and the need for long-term asset management.

Macomb County local officials also voiced support for the House Republican road improvement plan, which Steele helped sponsor. The officials shared data indicating that the current state funding structure results in no overall improvement in road quality, as repairs are offset by ongoing deterioration at a similar rate. They noted that with the adoption of the proposed Republican roads plan, a significant number of the county’s roads could be improved much more quickly than the rate of deterioration.

“I would like to thank everyone who came to our committee meeting,” Steele said. “The goal of today’s committee hearing was to raise awareness on how we can fund and build local roads from driveways to highways without raising taxes.”

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