The bill amends the existing law regarding the construction projects of the Michigan Department of Transportation and local road agencies. It stipulates that all construction projects exceeding $100,000 must be awarded through competitive bidding, unless the department or local road agency finds that an alternative method is in the public interest. The director of the department is required to report findings to the state transportation commission and the appropriations committees prior to commencing work, although emergency situations allow for expedited reporting. Additionally, the installation or upgrading of advanced traffic operation centers and traffic signal systems is exempt from this requirement.

For local road agencies, the bill specifies that competitive bidding applies to projects exceeding $100,000, with certain exemptions for advanced traffic operation centers, traffic signal systems, and resurfacing of local roads. The criteria for competitive bidding differ based on the population of the city or village, with larger municipalities facing stricter thresholds for project costs. The bill also clarifies the definition of "local road agency" and establishes reporting requirements for local road agencies to their governing bodies before commencing work on projects.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 247.661