State Rep. Jaime Greene today said quick action is needed to prevent Macomb County from losing a significant chunk of road funding due to changes in population recorded during the 2020 census.

Without legislative action, the county could lose more than $1 million in transportation funds dedicated to reducing traffic congestion — funds it has relied on for years to improve local infrastructure and keep roads safe.

“This is an urgent situation that requires immediate attention,” said Greene, R-Richmond. “Macomb County depends on this funding to ease traffic congestion, maintain our roads, and ensure drivers can travel safely. My solution makes sure our communities are not penalized for changes that are beyond our control.”

Of concern is a portion of the state’s transportation funds that are distributed each year to the state’s most populous counties. The issue stems from population changes recorded during the 2020 census. Because Kent County’s population grew, it was bumped into the same subcategory as Macomb in the funding formula used to distribute these funds. If nothing changes, Macomb and Kent counties will now have to split one pot of money.

To fix this, Greene has introduced House Bill 5922 to adjust the population thresholds in the funding formula, allowing each county to continue receiving the same percentage of funds they have historically relied upon.

“I am working diligently to ensure that Macomb County, along with Kent County, does not see a drastic reduction in critical road funding,” Greene said. “With the new state budget taking effect in less than a month, time is of the essence. If these funds are distributed under the current law before we can pass my bill, both Macomb and Kent will face major losses.”

Greene is calling on her colleagues in the Legislature to act quickly and pass the legislation before the state budget takes effect on Oct. 1.

“We cannot afford to let this issue fall through the cracks,” Greene said. “The residents of Macomb County are counting on us to solve this problem.”

###