Michigan Senate Republicans have proposed spending $1.5 billion of one-time federal COVID money on fixing bridges around the state. State Senator Aric Nesbitt tells WSJM News this plan focuses on bridges with the most need.
“No Michigander should have to traverse or travel over dangerous bridges on their way to work, school, or church,” Nesbitt said. “Our plan would fix every single bridge that’s in severe condition in our state, whether it’s local or state.”
Nesbitt says this is an appropriate use of federal money.
“Thousands of Michiganders were laid off or lost their job for good in the last year. Now is not the time to saddle anyone with higher taxes on gas or higher registration fees, and this plan would repair every bridge that needs it without raising taxes.”
Nesbitt says there are currently more than 60 bridges closed in Michigan due to a severe need for repairs. He believes taking care of them and other bridges that need work would be an investment that pays off for years to come. He’s hoping to get a hearing soon on the legislation. When asked if he thinks the governor would sign the package, he told us it fits in well with her “Fix the damn roads” message.
Below is a list of all the severe rated bridges in Van Buren (1) and Berrien (10) counties.
- Van Buren Co – 40th St over Paw Paw River
- Berrien Co – Bailey Rd over Pipestone Creek
- Berrien Co – Hollywood Rd over Big Feather Drain
- Berrien Co – Lincoln Ave over Hickory Drain
- Berrien Co – Hinchman Rd over Hickory Drain
- Berrien Co – Glendora Rd over Galien River
- Berrien Co – Lakeside Rd over Galien River
- Berrien Co – Hess Rd over Galien River
- Berrien Co – Walton Rd over St. Joseph River
- Berrien Co – Ferndale St over Brandywine Creek
- Berrien Co – Bailey Rd over Pipestone Creek
