The Grand Rapids Press Jan 22, 2012
“Road money runs out in GR”
City leaders say Grand Will soon run out of money for critical infrastructure projects, including repairs to pothole-ridden or crumbling streets. “It’s depressing and scary” City Planning Director Suzanne Schulz said, “We see it as a significant issue.”
The problem is worsening after years of dwindling state aid caused leaders to funnel money to areas such as public safety.
More than half of the city’s streets were rated last year as being in poor condition, Assistant City Engineer Rick DeVries said. Only 6% were rated good n d 38% fair. In 2014, money will no longer be allocated from the city’s general operating fund.
In 2002, the 21st Century Infrastructure Task Force recommended putting $12.5 million a year for 15 years into street upgrades and maintenance.
Suzanne Schulz pointed out, state revenue sharing has taken deep hits for the decade. “We can’t let the governor’s message influence what we need to have done in the city of Grand Rapids, because we can’t wait for those solutions to come, said Schulz.
Common Sense Review
Oh, I feel it coming…. “We need more tax dollars or the city is going to collapse!” Wait didn’t we go through this last year when the City of Grand Rapids Mich pleaded with it’s citizens to raise the income tax to the ceiling so we could maintain the City Police and Fire.
Interesting enough the 21st Century Infrastructure recommended putting $12.5 million a year for 15 years into streets… So either the Commission ignored the recommendation or use the money for other projects…Which could it be?
Oh wait, this past fall, the City commission was given $7 million dollars for discretionary spending….Hey I have an idea, fix the roads
No comments:
Post a Comment