Highways: bridges; movable bridge fund; modify. Amends sec. 11g of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.661g).
Impact
By creating a dedicated movable bridge fund, the bill facilitates the systematic financial oversight and operational efficiency of movable bridges, which are critical for transportation. This initiative is expected to enhance funding transparency by ensuring that money allocated for bridge operations remains separate from the general fund. Additionally, the bill stipulates that remaining funds at the end of the fiscal year will not lapse but will remain within this designated fund, encouraging careful financial planning for bridge maintenance and operational needs.
Summary
House Bill 5029 aims to amend the 1951 Public Act 51 regarding the classifying of public roads, streets, and highways in Michigan. The bill introduces provisions for the establishment and administration of a movable bridge fund within the state treasury. This fund will be utilized to manage the operational costs associated with publicly owned movable bridges across the state. With this amendment, the process for fund management and allocation will shift under the supervision of the state department responsible for auditing these operational costs and bridge management activities.
Contention
During discussions surrounding HB 5029, notable points of contention arose over who is responsible for managing the bridges and the financial implications of the fund. Some stakeholders argued that the bill may lead to the centralization of power within the state department at the expense of local agencies. Concerns were also raised regarding the adequacy of funding provided through the movable bridge fund and whether it would fully meet the needs of local jurisdictions that operate these bridges. As entities must now submit operational costs for annual review, questions about administrative workloads and potential delays in funding were also highlighted.
Transportation: funds; local agency infrastructure disaster relief fund and board; create. Amends secs. 10 & 11 of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.660 & 247.661) & adds sec. 11k.
Transportation: railroads; local grade separation grant program and fund; create. Amends 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.651 - 247.675) by adding sec. 11i. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4153'23
Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; cross-reference to publicly funded health insurance contribution act; eliminate. Amends sec. 18j of 1951 PA 51 (MCL 247.668j).
Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; cross-reference to publicly funded health insurance contribution act; eliminate. Amends sec. 14a of 1966 PA 293 (MCL 45.514a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6136'24
Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; cross-reference to publicly funded health insurance contribution act; eliminate. Amends sec. 4a of 1973 PA 139 (MCL 45.554a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 6136'24
Appropriations: supplemental; appropriations for multiple departments and branches for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023; provide for. Creates appropriation act.