$115 Million To Fund 103 Michigan Road Projects

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan officials say dozens of transportation projects are being paid for by $115 million in extra money that lawmakers put in the budget for roads.

Details of the state and local projects made possible by the Roads and Risks Reserve Fund were announced Thursday. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the 103 projects are expected to be done in 2014.

Click here to see the complete list of projects (.pdf format)

The legislature created the fund using $230 million in one-time general fund revenue. Half was available for appropriation on Oct. 1, 2013, and the other half may be appropriated for roads on Feb. 1, 2014, if it has not been dedicated to other purposes.

"This is fantastic news and a great first step toward improving our roads," Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville said in a statement. "Three years of sound budget decisions and living within our means has made it possible to direct existing resources toward our roads. Instead of seeking new revenue, we were able to tighten our belts and fund priority projects throughout the state."

The money is in addition to $121.3 million from the state general fund used to match federal transportation funds.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.