Halfway through the construction season and 2010 budget, the Board of Road Commissioners looks ahead as it considers the difficult challenge of providing road services the public expects despite steadily declining revenues.
Road and Bridge Funding Crisis in Washtenaw County
(6.7 MB)
Roy Townsend, P.E., County Highway Engineer
The Road Commission has scheduled a Working Session on July 20, 2010 to review the annual bridge condition inspection reports. The Board will also receive the 2009 annual paved road surface condition report which assesses current conditions of the paved roads on the county road system and predicts future conditions based on funding strategies.
The 2010 Preventive Maintenance Programs are well underway. This year the Road Commission places new emphasis on pavement preservation. Program related projects will result in a substantial number of miles of pavement overlays, sealcoat and crack sealing throughout Washtenaw County.
Scio Township and the Washtenaw County Road Commission recently celebrated the Boulevard Grand Opening, marking successful completion of the Jackson Road, Phase III project. Phase III was a two-year, $14.1 million road project that extended the Boulevard an additional two miles westward.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Scio Township, Ann Arbor, MI
'Rev' up your engines for the 2nd Annual
Jackson Road Cruise, a seven mile cruisin' event sponsored by the
Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Scio Township and
generous local sponsors. In conjunction, this spring's
Boulevard Grand Opening marks the
completion of a twenty-year, three-phase Jackson Road & Boulevard
development project.
Phase I of the Whittaker Road / Stony Creek Road Roundabout project, located in Ypsilanti Township, is to begin on April 19, 2010. The proposed intersection improvement is to be completed no later than July 30, 2010.
April 19-23 is National Work Zone Awareness Week
It’s 'orange
barrel' season
again and the Washtenaw County Road Commission has already began
work on several road improvement projects in Washtenaw County.
Consequently, it is a good time for motorists to remind themselves
to be particularly cautious and alert to the many crews working on road construction projects over the next six to nine
months.
In contrast to recent news articles about failing Michigan businesses and municipalities, this update focuses on successful strategies that have allowed the Washtenaw County Road Commission to balance the 2009 budget. New sources of revenue have manifested into 50+ federal aid projects and have provided critical funding to address our failing paved roads and bridges.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission recently held a Public Information Meeting to provide the general public with an update for Dexter-Pinckney Road Bridge replacement project located over the Portage Lake Canal in Dexter Township. The project is expected to start in March, 2010 and be completed in August, 2010.
Michigan has historically been a donor state, contributing more money into the Federal Transportation Program than is received. If Michigan continues funding transportation at the current level, in 2011 the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be unable to match all eligible federal funding; and Federal Highway transportation funds could go to other states that can provide the required match.
The Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners approved their 2010 WCRC Annual Budget on December 15, 2009.
The approved 2010 WCRC Annual Budget recognizes a 5% reduction in projected Michigan Transportation Fund revenue as it incorporates the recently adopted Capital Improvement Projects, Service Level Adjustments, and routine maintenance expenditures.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission anticipates its budget will decrease by 25% in 2010. Spending on road projects alone will drop from 25 million in 2009 to 11.5 million in 2010 under the new Capital Improvement Plan approved by the Board of County Road Commissioners on November 3rd.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission is reminding motorists that winter driving is on its way. “Winter maintenance is a top priority for the Road Commission, and we take preparation for winter very seriously,” states Jim Harmon, Director of Operations. “We are prepared for this winter, and we are also encouraging motorists to prepare before the first snow flies.”
The Washtenaw County Road Commission is proud to present the latest update of our 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the citizens of Washtenaw County. We credit the Board of County Road Commissioners for their vision and direction as we updated this important plan for our agency and stakeholders.
Washtenaw County, Michigan – As leaves change to brilliant hues and mornings begin with a heavy frost, the Washtenaw County Road Commission is asking county residents to prepare for winter by shaking their mailbox.
On October 6, 2009, the Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners approved the Service Level Adjustments as they were proposed during the public comment stage. This announcement proceeds a series of Working Sessions initiated by the Board of Road Commissioners this spring to review our "Core Services".
The beautiful and Historic East Delhi Bridge, originally erected in the village of Delhi Mills in the late nineteenth century, was restored to its original grandeur and reopened to vehicular traffic in August, 2009.
On Sunday, September 13, 2009, we celebrated the official East Delhi Bridge Rededication ceremony at Delhi Metropark.
On November 3, 2009, the Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners will consider the adoption of their 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a guide for road improvements and preventive maintenance activities over the next five years. Our annual process to develop this draft CIP includes staff assessments of the road system needs and soliciting input from our key stakeholders, transportation partners, and township officials.
JOIN US, as we celebrate the official East Delhi Bridge Rededication ceremony, Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Delhi Metropark.
The Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners initiated a series of Working Sessions this spring to review our “Core Services”. The intent of this exercise was to evaluate all of the primary services and functions our agency performs to determine if we are consistently performing the essential tasks that support our statutory charge and agency mission. This review entailed an in-depth analysis of our various routine and capital investments to determine if we are on a financially sustainable path.
On July 31, 2009, the Washtenaw County Board of Road Commissioners and Village of Dexter hosted an official “Rededication Ceremony” where local dignitaries, the Road Commission and Village staff, friends, and neighbors gathered to officially rededicate the Dexter Main Street Bridge into service for the Washtenaw County community.
When the money is not available for County Road Commissions to maintain a paved road, there are cheaper solutions. Although the Washtenaw County Road Commission has not converted any roads, twenty other counties have been forced to convert worn-out paved roads to gravel roads, reducing their costs while providing safe roadways.
Attention Michigan Drivers video:
http://www.youtube.com
On May 6, 2009, the County Road Association of Michigan presented Dan Ackerman with the Finance and Human Resource Committee – COMMENDATION AWARD for OUTSTANDING SERVICE.
The Board of Road Commissioners has initiated a series of Working Sessions scheduled this spring to review our “Core Services”. The intent of this exercise is to evaluate all of the primary services and functions our agency performs to determine if we are consistently performing the essential tasks that support our statutory charge and agency mission. This review will entail an in-depth analysis of our various routine and capital investments to determine if we are on a financially sustainable path.
With legislation finally settled, we are now able to disclose our plans for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act commonly known as the “Economic Stimulus Program”.
To view any of our previously issued News Articles and Media Advisories, please visit our Archives.