LANSING, Mich., Sept. 25, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed state Rep. Jaime Greene’s (R-Richmond) House Bill 5922 today. The bill came about due to changes in population in the 2020 census, and it reallocates state transportation funds to Macomb and Kent counties.
“Our Macomb County community relies on annual state funds to ensure our transportation infrastructure is continually updated,” said state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens), whose district is within Macomb County. “This bill ensures Macomb County receives the necessary funding to improve our infrastructure, maintain our roads and keep our residents safe on their daily commutes. I’m delighted that the Legislature came together to take bipartisan action to accomplish this for our community.”
The passage of this bill ensures Macomb County will maintain more than $2 million in transportation funds.
“Kent and Macomb counties are two of our most heavily populated counties, and splitting resources is counterintuitive to the demands of these communities. This bill provides sufficient funds to serve our communities’ transportation needs the right way,” said state Rep. Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), whose district also falls in Macomb County and chairs the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee. “An increase in population should not hinder a county by resulting in less resources, which is why we took action today to preserve funding for both communities.”
“The communities of Warren and the broader Macomb County deserve well-maintained roads to make their daily commutes easier and safer,” said state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren). “I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that works across the aisle to ensure our roads are funded fairly and adequately. Our county’s growth signals a need for more resources to ensure every resident can use their hometown infrastructure with peace of mind.”
When Kent County’s population increased in 2020, it entered the same census group as Macomb County, forcing the two to share funds. The passage of this bill ensures both counties will receive adequate funding.
“Kent County’s recent population growth should not force our community members to have to deal with less resources,” said state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids). “Our residents rely on our road systems and public transportation to get to work, school and other community staples every day. Splitting funds would obstruct our community from being able to regularly modernize our infrastructure, creating a setback for our fast-growing county. Thanks to the passage of this bill, we will receive the necessary funds to make upgrades and continue our county’s development.”
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