State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) introduced House Bill 5204 today, legislation to require the Michigan Department of Transportation to first offer snow removal equipment for auction to local governments before offering it to the general public. The bill was introduced with 51 bipartisan co-sponsoring signatures, including the entire House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“This is an important piece of legislation for Michigan’s local governments, especially those facing heavy snow fall,” said Dianda. “These days, our local road crews are being asked to do more with less. It would be beneficial to the counties in my district, as well as many other Michigan counties, to have rights of first purchase on equipment that MDOT is ready to sell.”
Some local governments are currently using snow plows from the 1970s while MDOT is auctioning off its more current equipment to the public through a site called MiBid, an internet bidding site much like eBay. This site makes it feasible and affordable to offer selected property to local governments before opening the bidding to the general public.
“If passed, I’m confident this bill would make it easier for local governments to gain access to newer snow removal equipment,” Dianda said. “As a state representative, it’s my job to make sure Michigan residents are taken care of and local governments have the tools they need to succeed. This bill would accomplish both of those goals.”