(Update: View a joint press release on this issue)

The Senate and House quickly approved SB 608 after the conference committee voted it out just before noon this morning and it now awaits the Governor’s signature. The bill includes $215 million in general fund dollars for roads. Of that $215 million, $100 million will be distributed through the Act 51 formula to local road agencies to be used on maintenance as a result of this years harsh winter. It requires that the $100 million in special winter road maintenance funds be used only for road maintenance, excluding administrative, overhead, and other indirect costs.  The remaining $115 million will be used for priority road projects identified by individual lawmakers and prioritized by the Legislature’s leadership. An amendment was adopted that states if the money for priority road projects is not obligated by July 1, 2014 the remaining balance would be distributed through the Act 51 formula.

It is anticipated this bill will receive the Governors signature before the end of the week. The League is very appreciative of the efforts of the legislature to deliver additional road funding to our local communities during this time of need. The League would also like to thank our members who took the time to contact their legislator on this issue. The following link will provide the amount each city and village will receive from the $100 million after it is distributed through the formula.

$100 Million Breakdown for Cities and Villages

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.