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Whitmer: Michigan will borrow $3.5B to start fixing roads

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Posted at 8:12 PM, Jan 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-29 22:12:06-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan will borrow $3.5 billion to rebuild state highways and bridges over five years.

She calls it a responsible way to start fixing deteriorating roads after the Republican-led Legislature rejected her proposed fuel tax hike.

The Democrat unveiled the bonding plan during her second annual State of the State speech on Wednesday. She says it will enable the state to do about twice as much construction on I-, U.S.- and M-numbered routes as it can now.

Whitmer says the money will be used to reconstruct, rather than resurface, roads in high-traffic areas with the greatest need.