Rocky Roads? (By: Steve Tennes)

So, what's the condition of roads in your neighborhood? Did you know that some of your neighbors-especially the farmers-couldn't even get to work due to the condition of their roads and bridges in Eaton County?

Roads are like the veins and arteries for the economic blood of our county, but many local farmers with large equipment can't use nearly 20 percent of the bridges in the county.

"Of the 105 bridges in Eaton County, two are currently closed due to structural failure, and 20 are posted for less than normal legal loads," according to Blair Ballou of the Eaton County Road Commission. "Twenty-one bridges in the county are narrower than the standard two-lane road." This makes it more difficult for farmers to access farmland.

With all the recent focus on the automobile industry, let's still remember that agriculture is Michigan's second-largest industry-and one of the very few industries here that continues to grow. One crucial element of allowing our economy to grow is having quality and usable roads.

The condition of Michigan roads has long been a challenge. The only source of funding for Eaton County roads is the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF), which is where motor fuel tax revenue and vehicle registration fees go before being distributed to the state highway department, county road commissions, cities and villages.

In 2008, Eaton County received an average of $6,406 for each of its 1,172 miles of roadway. That was about $220 less, per mile, than what we received in 1998. That reduced funding means Eaton County is also suffering challenges in maintaining quality roads.

But hope is on the horizon.

President Barack Obama's proposed economic stimulus package includes a boost in funding for work on our nation's roads and bridges. And as fate would have it, Eaton County's newly elected congressman, Mark Schauer, is now a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that will oversee how any such funding would be spent. 

It is important that our new congressman is reminded of the needs of his citizens in Eaton County-he represents you. Contact him at (202) 225-6276.