Linda:

We share your frustration with the condition of your road. Unfortunately, many roads in Oakland County and across the state are in bad shape -- this one is, sadly, far from unique. That is the result of the state's underfunding of roads for decades.

According to US Census Bureau data, Michigan has been in the bottom 10 states in the nation in per capita state and local road funding for more than 45 years. That means we've all been paying less to maintain our roads than the residents of most other states (you get what you pay for). Add to this the fact that road funding in Michigan has declined 5 percent over the last five years while all the costs associated with maintaining roads have gone up dramatically during that time. In fact, we expect things to get far worse before they get better. We have seen our staff reduced by nearly 20 percent in the last three years, and the cuts are expected to continue. As we have said before: Take a look at the roads you drive today. This is the best they are likely to look for a long time.

Road Commission for Oakland County