Local Road Improvement Program to Benefit Rochester Hills

Commissioners Kochenderfer and Tietz Successfully Secure County Funds to Improve and Repair Rochester Hills Roads

On May 2, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution sponsored by Commissioners Adam L. Kochenderfer and Doug Tietz securing $136,625 in matching funding for local road projects in the City of Rochester Hills through the county’s Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP). These funds will be used to help with the city’s road maintenance requirements and other road repairs. The City of Rochester Hills plans for the work to include pavement repair on residential roads for the 2018 Concrete Road Replacement Program.

“While the City of Rochester Hills has the responsibility to maintain these roads, the county commissioners are providing this assistance to ensure they are safe and smooth for drivers,” said Commissioner Kochenderfer. “We will continue working with our partners at the city to protect residents’ interests.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the County on this critical funding need,” said Rochester Hills Mayor, Bryan Barnett. “These resources will go directly into improving the quality of Rochester Hills roads, which we know our residents will appreciate. This is a great example of collaboration and we thank the County and Commissioners Kochenderfer and Tietz for making it possible.”

“We need to prioritize tax dollars for our roads and this is another step in doing so,” said Commissioner Tietz.

Oakland County’s LRIP provides limited financial assistance to Oakland County cities and villages for repairs and improvements on roadways under their jurisdiction. The program ensures that the county investment in roads is multiplied by requiring local municipalities to match funding from Oakland County. Launched in 2016, it has driven an estimated $20 million investment in local roads across the county. The program is an effective means for encouraging investment in local roads, which continue to be underfunded by the State of Michigan. This lack of investment from the state and federal government has resulted in poor road conditions, which negatively impact safety, quality of life and economic development in the region.

“Oakland County is demonstrating leadership and innovation by making this critical investment in immediate road repairs, “said Board Chairman Michael J. Gingell. “Our residents expect us to work together to maintain the excellent quality of life we enjoy in Oakland County. Under the leadership of County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and his team, and with the ongoing bi-partisan efforts of the Board of Commissioners, we are committed to doing all we can to improve our local road infrastructure and address the needs that have been created due to the lack of state funding.”

Last year, the Board of Commissioners LRIP received national recognition when it was selected for a 2017 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the category of Community and Economic Development.

Commissioner Adam L. Kochenderfer is a Republican and represents the 15th District, which includes the City of Rochester and a portion of the City of Rochester Hills. He was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2016. He can be reached by phone at 586-321-1332 or via email to akcommissioner@gmail.com.

Commissioner Doug Tietz is a Republican and represents the 11th District, which includes portions of the City of Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Troy. He was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2016. He can be reached by phone at 248-879-1739 or via email to tietzd@oakgov.com.

For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners at 248-858-0100 or visit their website at www.oakgov.com/boc.