Edited by John Kennet
Local residents are paying a high price for Isabella County Road Commission's budget woes.
Due to flat revenues, financial loopholes and burdens placed on administration, Isabella County’s funds for road maintenance and repair have taken a drastic hit for 2008 resulting in roads that are in need of repair
Jasey VanHaitsma, Central Michigan University senior, dislocated the right front tire from her car and bent the rim when she drove over a pothole on Broomfield Road.
"It was dark and I could not see the hole until it was too late to avoid it," VanHaitsma said. "I went back the next day to see the hole and it was huge."
She said that she was not speeding or driving recklessly when she hit the pothole.
John D. Niemela, director of the County Road Association of Michigan said that, "Michigan roads have nearly $9 million in unmet needs."
The funding for the Michigan department of transportation has not increased since 1997, yet there is high demand for new roads and road repair.
"We need to put every available dime into road construction and repair," Niemela said.
The effect of low funding is taking it toll locally.
The low funding for road repair is due in part to the diversion of money to different departments statewide. An example given by the Isabella County Road Commission website is that money in the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) has been used to fund grants for the Department of Treasury.
High and climbing gas prices are another financial burden for the road commission, mainly because of the large quantities of diesel fuel needed to operate the trucks and equipment needed to perform routine maintenance.
"This never-ending demand is unavoidable, as employees must be able to drive vehicles to plow, salt and repair the roads" ,Niemela said, 'less driving would mean less maintenance and slower or incomplete repairs.
He said that routine maintenance, such as filling potholes, salting and plowing, must come first. Projects beyond these could be delayed until funding increases.
Tony Casali, manager of the Isabella County Road Commission was not available for comment
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