LOCAL GRADE SEPARATION GRANT PGM & FUND S.B. 124 (S-1) & 125 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bills 124 and 125 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Darrin Camilleri
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
Senate Bill 125 (S-1) would amend the Michigan Transportation Fund law to do the following:
-- Require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to establish a local grade separation grant program to issue grants to municipalities and county road commissions.
-- Require MDOT to establish a review process for considering funding applications and to notify applicants within 120 days of the application's approval or denial.
-- Require MDOT, before dispersing grant funds, to enter into an agreement with the recipient, and specify the provisions that would have to be included in the agreement.
-- Require MDOT to issue a report to the Legislature pertaining to the use of program funds.
-- Create the Local Grade Separation Fund to provide funding under the bill.
Senate Bill 124 (S-1) would amend the Michigan Transportation Fund law to develop parameters for prioritizing the approval of funding applications for grant program projects.
Proposed MCL 247.661i (S.B. 125); Proposed MCL 247.661j (S.B. 124)
BRIEF RATIONALE
According to testimony, highway-rail grade crossings can create significant traffic congestion and safety concerns. Grade separation, in which highway-rail grade crossings are placed at different heights as overpasses or underpasses, is a method used to reduce these problems. Accordingly, it has been suggested that a grade-separation grant program be created.
PREVIOUS LEGISLATION
Senate Bills 124 and 125 are similar to Senate Bills 427 and 425 from the 2021-2022 Legislative Session, respectively, which passed the Senate but received no further action.
Legislative Analyst: Tyler P. VanHuyse
FISCAL IMPACT
Senate Bill 124 (S-1) would have a minimal negative fiscal impact on the State in the amount equal to the cost of creating the parameters for approval of funding applications and no fiscal impact on local units of government. Senate Bill 125 (S-1) would have a minimal negative fiscal impact on the State in the amount equal to the cost of creating the application form and the additional work needed to operate the form and reporting requirements. The bill would have a minimal negative fiscal impact on local units of government equal to the cost of applying for these grants. Costs to the State and revenue to the local units of government will depend on appropriations.
Date Completed: 4-26-23 Fiscal Analyst: Bobby Canell
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.