County approves funds for local road projects

Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills will receive more than $140,000 combined to help with local road maintenance and repairs through Oakland County's Local Road Improvement Plan.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, June 12, approved a resolution securing the funds, which includes $16,058 for Bloomfield Hills and $125,291 for Birmingham.

The program provides limited financial assistance to Oakland County cities and villages for repairs on roadways under their jurisdiction. The program requires matching funds by local municipalities.

Under the program, Birmingham will use the funds to fix Bowers Street, and the city of Bloomfield Hills will use the funds to rehabilitate Trowbridge Court, Hickory Grove Road, Whysall Road, Endicott Road and County Club Road.

"I am happy to have the opportunity to provide county funds to assist with these urgently needed repairs and improvements to roads in my district," Oakland County Commissioner Shelly Goodman Taub (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) said.

Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine said the program helps to get local roads fixed, particularly in light of limitations on road funding from the state.

Bloomfield Hills City Manager Dave Hendrickson said the funds will have a greater impact on the overall functionality and beautification of the city, as the program works in conjunction with the city's own funds.

The program was launched in 2016 and is driven an estimated $70 million investment in local roads across the county.