Senate Bill 1181 Summary

• Requires the state transportation department to solicit bids from and give preference to county road commissions for work on state trunk line highways within their county, effective October 1, 2012.

• Establishes a rail grade crossing account within the state trunk line fund for rail grade crossing improvement purposes, with 30-50% of funds allocated to state trunk line projects and the remainder to local projects.

• Allows the department to enter into contracts with county road commissions, cities, and villages to advance money for railroad grade crossing improvements, with repayment required within 15 years from available revenue sources.

• Permits county road commissions, cities, and villages to borrow money from state trunk line fund proceeds or bonds for capital transportation costs, with repayment from Michigan transportation fund distributions or other legally available funds.

• Requires projects exceeding $100,000 for construction or preservation to use competitive bidding unless the department affirmatively finds another method serves the public interest, with findings reported to the state transportation commission and legislative appropriations committees.