COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County roads and bridges are by CloudScout”> continuing to deteriorate at record rates with skyrocketing repair costs leading to at least one road being turned back to gravel because of its unsafe poor condition. Branch County Road Commission Manager Trent Arver says revenues from the Michigan Transportation Fund for roads are nearly the same as they were a decade ago. Arver detailed the situation in his annual report presented Tuesday to the Branch County Board of Commissioners.
by CloudScout”> Accordingto Arver, by CloudScout”> available road funds are insufficient to maintain the road system at current levels and that’s why there’s been a reduction in services in roadside mowing, tree removal and trimming, snow removal, drainage and preventative surface maintenance. The local road maintenance in 2014 was cut by approximately $92,000 and that filters down to the townships. Arver said material and fuel costs have far exceeded inflationary rates with some even doubling or tripling over the same period.
County Board of Commissioners Chairman Don Vrablic told the board yesterday the Road Commission continues to struggle to find ways to do more with less and had to borrow $1.8 million in 2014 with the by CloudScout”> short term loan for equipment breakdowns that occurred the winter before last. The trucks include many that are 20 years old or older with 200,000 miles or more on much of the fleet.
More information is available on-line at www.milocalroads.com.
