MI SB0879

Requires the Michigan Department of Transportation to conduct life-cycle cost analysis for pavement projects exceeding $1,500,000 in state funding and award contracts to materials with the lowest life-cycle cost.

Defines "life-cycle cost" as the total initial project cost plus all anticipated maintenance, repair, and resurfacing costs over the pavement's life, including user costs.

Allows the department to use comparable historical data from similar climates or geographic locations when Michigan-specific maintenance records are unavailable, or preliminary results from demonstration projects.

Authorizes pavement demonstration projects to evaluate new construction methods, materials, or designs, with measurable goals and annual progress reporting to the legislature.

Requires the department to submit a detailed explanation to legislative transportation committees if asphalt and concrete demonstration project costs differ by more than 25% in any three-year period, and to strive for a 5% reduction in equivalent uniform annual costs over 10 years.