State Rep. Greg Markkanen has reintroduced a plan to ease a burdensome and unnecessary regulation that has prevented the Keweenaw County Road Commission from replacing its outdated maintenance facility.
Markkanen, of Hancock, said he remains committed to working with the governor to find a solution after she vetoed similar legislation last month.
“I will continue to fight this burdensome policy because it’s the right thing to do for Keweenaw County and our entire state,” Markkanen said.
The Keweenaw County Road Commission has run into problems because of the 103-year-old building that currently serves as its maintenance facility. A 2016 building inspection uncovered numerous “red flags” with the building’s electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems as well as the structural integrity of the building itself.
Remodeling the facility to fit the road commission’s needs would cost an estimated $1.8 million. A new structure, with added office space, could be built for $1.5 million.
Markkanen said current state law, which dates back to 1909, requires county road commissions to limit the payments to 15 years or less when purchasing property for public use – a window too short and demanding for most rural communities.
Other municipal units have more flexibility and can currently finance such payments over 30 years. Markkanen’s plan would give road commissions throughout the state the same flexibility.
“This reform is in the best interest for communities in the Upper Peninsula and all across our state,” Markkanen said. “I am committed to working with all of the decision-makers in state government to make it a reality.”
Markkanen’s original legislation, House Bill 4120, received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate before it was vetoed by Gov. Whitmer last month. The latest legislation, House Bill 5314, has been referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration.
