UNDATED (WZKO AM/FM) — A new report on the condition of Michigan Roads verifies what we already knew, that they are in bad shape, but it also demonstrates that we will pay for the condition of the roads one way or another, even if there is no gas tax hike.
Rick Moretti, a researcher for “TRIP” broke it down by city, and what the typical motorist has to pay annually for worn tires, bent rims, and faster depreciation and repair costs, because of the beating Michigan vehicles are taking from potholes.
They say the average motorist will pay an extra $500 to $800 a year.
In Kalamazoo and Battle Creek it’s about $600/vehicle.
It’s a little lower in Grand Rapids at $565 and a lot higher in Detroit where its $824.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement on Tuesday saying drivers are already paying this “hidden tax” on our roads and the cost will continue to go up if the pothole problem continues to be ignored.
Reports say her proposed 45-cent gas tax hike to get the $2.5 billion dollars needed to fix the roads would only impact the typical motorists by about $276 a year.
(copy written by John McNeill)
