The Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution on June 17 sponsored by Commissioner Gwen Markham (D-Novi) that secured $121,445 for Novi through the county’s Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP).

These funds will be used to help with road maintenance requirements and other road repairs. Novi plans to use the funds to help with the Bond Street Phase 2 connection to Grand River Boulevard. 

“We help local communities make road improvements that may otherwise have been delayed by matching local road dollars through the Board's Local Road Improvement Plan,” Markham said. “I'm glad the county has been able to help in improving the roads in Novi and Northville.” 

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, the LRIP has driven an estimated $108 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 funding 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. 

“It pleases me to know the Board of Commissioners has partnered again with communities to provide funding for a portion of local roads,” said Novi City Manager Peter Auger. “For five years, this program has highlighted the importance our elected city officials place on road improvements and the value they provide to our residents. This program and partnership between the city and county has been wonderful for our community.” 

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