MDOT Responds to Dianda Statement

The director of MDOT has issued a public reply to a local state lawmaker who said he’d probably oppose a fuel tax bill that will be brought forward during the lame-duck House session that began this week. MDOT director Kirk Steudle has said to State Representative Scott Dianda that new investments in Michigan’s roads are the only way to do something about their poor condition. According to the Federal Highway Administration, Michigan is dead last among the 50 states in the amount it spends on roads per licensed driver. Dianda also said last week that MDOT maintains a fleet of planes for its employees to use while, at the same time, having trouble keeping western U.P. highways free of snow and ice. MDOT replies that its use of state equipment reflects careful watching of its expenses. The department also says it’s unaware of any instances where it’s refusing to allow plowing in U.P. communities.