|
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax do I pay per gallon
of gasoline?
There is a total of 37.3 cents of
transportation taxes per gallon on
gasoline sold within Michigan. This
amount consists of 19 cents for state
tax and 18.3 cents for federal tax. The
sale of gasoline is also subject to the
6 percent sales tax in Michigan,
however, this amount is not used for
transportation improvements.
Why are weight restrictions
placed on county roads each spring?
When the roads thaw out from the top
down each spring, moisture is trapped on
the surface, and heavy loads would cause
the break-up of gravel and bituminous
surfaces.
Why doesn't the Road Commission
pave more gravel roads?
Our state legislature has determined
that Road Commissions can spend no more
than 10% of their transportation income
on construction, so that essential
activities such as winter maintenance
and the repair of poor paved roads
cannot be neglected.
Why does it seem like Houghton
County spends so little on road
construction?
The Houghton County Road Commission has
one of the greatest challenges in the
state of Michigan.
The state of Michigan's system of road
funding provides the least amount of
dollars per mile for most rural county
road commissions because they are the
least populated per mile when compared
to the Michigan Department of
Transportation, cities and villages and
urban county road commissions.
Our great solitude and tremendous winter
recreational opportunities do also,
translate into great winter maintenance
activity expenses, whereas our county
road commission routinely spends 30% -
60% of our income plowing and sanding
each winter, the highest ratio in the
state of Michigan.
Why doesn't my street get plowed
right away when it snows?
The ideal snowstorm would occur each
night between 3:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.,
so that when our plows begin to work
they can clean up the roads to bare
pavement for travellers each day.
If we receive a heavy snow after your
normal plowing time, we try to return to
clean up but it may have to wait until
the following day if the storm is
severe.
Such things such as soft shoulders early
or late in the season or equipment
breakdowns may also delay our plowing or
sanding services.
Also, very severe weather may
necessitate that the plowing or sanding
be intensified on high traffic roads,
which disrupts the normal routine.
Feel free to call our office if you have
any questions concerning our plowing
schedules.
Why does it appear that you stop
grading some gravel roads in the summer?
The most effective grading is done when
roads are dampened by rain. Grading
during very dry weather causes the road
materials to dry out, causing them to
loose their binding qualities and
creating more dust.
How do I have a speed limit
placed on my road?
Speed limits on county roads are set by
the Michigan State Police following a
traffic study, which includes a radar
survey for a particular section of road.
The speed limit to be established must
be reasonable and enforceable.
|
