Rep. Rogers Introduces Bill to Support Businesses Impacted by Road Construction

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6, 2026 — State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) introduced House Bill 5524 this week with bipartisan support. This bill serves as a House companion to Senate Bill 92, sponsored by state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to establish a road construction business loss reimbursement program to help small businesses stay afloat during prolonged construction disruptions.

HB 5524 would create a grant program for businesses that lose revenue due to  unexpected street closures or construction projects that extend significantly beyond their scheduled end dates. Grants would be based on a business’ documented decline in revenue, up to a maximum of $15,000 per year.

“We all want safer roads and smoother commutes, but we cannot ask small businesses to absorb the cost of long construction delays,” Rogers said. “House Bill 5524 creates a practical, targeted backstop so a months-long project does not force a neighborhood grocery store, restaurant or repair shop to lay off staff or close its doors.”

“During repeated street closures near Park Street Market, sales dropped into the double digits and we were losing roughly $150,000 a month in profit margin that normally covers payroll, rent, utilities, and other operating costs,” said Kiar Gamsho, CEO of Midtown Fresh & Park Street Market in Kalamazoo. “When access is cut off and customers have to navigate side streets or an alley just to reach us, it can take months to rebuild those shopping habits, so a reimbursement program like this would help small businesses keep people employed and stay open while construction runs long.”

To ensure support is targeted to the businesses most impacted, applicants would need to demonstrate a significant decline in revenue based on an average of profits over the immediately preceding three tax years. The bill also outlines a review process and requires the department to notify applicants within 120 days regarding the approval or rejection of  their application, prioritizing awards based on factors such as the rate of revenue decline, duration of construction, proximity to construction, severity of traffic disruption and lack of pedestrian access.

“Our communities rely on the small businesses that support daily life — from local retail stores to cafés and auto repair shops,” Anthony said. “These bills offer a practical way to support the local businesses that keep our economies going, especially during necessary construction projects.”

HB 5524 was introduced in the Michigan House and awaits committee consideration.

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