Climate

Other Great Lakes states fix potholes, why not Michigan?

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Michigan and nearby Great Lakes states might share road funding concerns, but the Mitten might not have access to the same solutions.
Michigan’s road funding is unique because of its comparatively low gas and diesel taxes, lower taxes for diesel than gas and an unusual funding formula that sends a disproportionate amount of money to rural areas.

Climate

Local officials convert paved roads to gravel as lawmakers debate funding repairs

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Michigan communities might see more local roads turned to gravel in coming months, thanks to winter’s remaining grip. The rough winter has given Michigan’s road funding concerns a violent push into statewide spotlight as discussion swirls at the Capitol. But road commissions across the state are eyeing the immediate impact that deeply rooted frost has on a local level. County road commissions have increasingly taken up the practice of permanently or temporarily turning paved roads into gravel in recent years to deal with issues of low funding and poor road conditions, said Joe Pulver, Clinton County Road Commission managing director. Last year, about half of Michigan counties were forced to convert paved roads to gravel, said Monica Ware, the communications and development manager for the County Road Association of Michigan.

Wildlife

Waterfowl confuse roads with water

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There is an increase in reports of waterfowl stranded on roadways that they confuse with open water.

Some birds cannot take off again because their bodies are adapted to lifting off from water.