Establishing Quality Roads

Welcome To Our "Roads Page"

Did you know that by Michigan law, Clinton Township does not have authority over the roads within our community? 

All public roads in Michigan townships, except for a few owned and maintained by the state, are controlled by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and are under the jurisdiction of their respective county governments; in our case, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDoR).

Also, under state law, townships do not collect or receive taxes for roads unless voter-approved millages for roads are in place (Clinton Township has no such millages). Therefore, townships do not receive funding from the state or federal government to fix or repair roads.    

Why have a Roads Page if Clinton Township does not have the authority to make road decisions (jurisdiction) and does not receive road funding?

The short answer is that Township policymakers and many of our departments work closely with the MCDoR on public infrastructure projects and are responsible for various administrative and engineering duties. An example is when we are required to contribute matching funds to complete road projects within our community. Further, we are responsible for advocating for projects that will improve the quality of life for our residents and maintain a healthy business climate in our community.  

Ensuring Quality Roads: A Clinton Township Strategic Planning Initiative

Our focus on roads is an outgrowth of Clinton Township's Strategic Plan, where residents, businesses, and community leaders came together to identify our street conditions as the most critical issue facing the Township. 

In response, the Establishing Quality Roadways Committee was developed and chaired by Treasurer Paul Gieleghem, who assembled a multi-disciplinary team to thoroughly study the issue and develop recommendations on ways the Township can improve roads. 

In addition, subject matter experts from the community and the state testified before the Committee, which increased our member's understanding of the impediments to fixing roads and maintaining a quality road network. As a result of the testimony presentations, Q&A sessions, and workgroups, the Establishing Quality Roadways Committee developed an action plan consisting of objectives and sub-objectives. Also, the Committee discovered that very few people, from policymakers to administrators, let alone the general public have a fundamental understanding of how roads are funded and who makes decisions on which roads receive funding. 

The resulting comprehensive presentation is designed to help our community understand the multifaceted process involving repairing, building, and managing our roads.