Reps. Van Regenmorter, Accavitti, Bieda, Brandenburg, Caswell, Caul, Daniels, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farhat, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gleason, Hager, Huizenga, Hummel, Jamnick, Ruth Johnson, Kolb, LaSata, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, Nitz, Nofs, Palmer, Pappageorge, Pastor, Richardville, Rivet, Sak, Shaffer, Shulman, Stahl, Stallworth, Tabor, Taub, Tobocman, Vander Veen, Voorhees and Walker offered the following concurrent resolution:

            House Concurrent Resolution No. 53.

            A concurrent resolution to call upon the Michigan Department of Transportation to review the current status of alternatives to road salt based on information from existing studies, trials, and tests and to make recommendations for advancing the use of alternatives at the state and local level.           

            Whereas, Numerous studies and environmental assessments indicate that road salt is a factor in the corrosion of vehicles, roads, and bridges, and that road salt also is harmful to the environment and causes crop damage; and

            Whereas, Road salt is accumulating in the Great Lakes in detectable levels; and

            Whereas, In recent years, a number of new salt alternatives have been developed and are currently being tested by the Michigan Department of Transportation and many local road commissions; and

            Whereas, Michigan has a compelling interest in preserving our environment, our agricultural base, and our infrastructure.  Studies and trials have independently yielded a great deal of information on alternatives available to road salt; and

            Whereas, We recognize that cost is a factor for the state and local road authorities in choosing a method to keep roads free of snow and ice; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we call upon the Michigan Department of Transportation to review information gained from studies and trials and assess a number of factors that can advance the use of alternatives to road salt.  The review should assess the feasibility of using alternative materials on a broad scale throughout the state, alone or in combination with road salt, with specific focus on the long-term cost effectiveness of alternatives with factors such as erosion, crop damage, and environmental damage taken into account; and be it further

            Resolved, That we call upon the department to investigate road salt application strategies that result in a reduction of the amount of road salt used without compromising public safety; and be it further

            Resolved, That we call upon the department to make recommendations on the practical usage of salt alternatives and reduction strategies by the state and by local road commissions in a manner that is both safe and effective and cost effective over the long-term; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation.