The loss of funding would come because the federal government requires the state to provide 20 percent of road repair funding to receive an 80 percent match from the federal government, and Michigan currently is not meeting the 20 percent. If state revenue is increased, it could go toward meeting the 20 percent requirement.

In Ingham County there are 16 road and bridge construction projects that could be delayed if revenues do not increase, according to a report released Monday by the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association.

These include projects on the east and westbound 1-96 business loop ramps, Grand River Avenue/M-43 and Lake Lansing Road over US-127. The projects are scheduled to be completed within the next five years, but the delays could push the completion date back, according to the report.

Ingham County Road Commissioner James Dravenstatt-Moceri said the commission does not know which projects could be hindered, but discussion will begin in January.

The commission also is planning to cut 10 job positions by the middle of January to help offset the cut in state funding, he said.

State Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, said there have been five bills introduced to help increase state revenue, including increases in vehicle registration fees and gas taxes. He said although road conditions are important, the Legislature is more focused on using revenue to increase funding to other areas.

“The House will have to make a decision on the likely effect of the roads, but it seems hard to believe they would put roads above school funding,” he said.

Ledbetter said the tax currently collects 19 cents per gallon for regular gas, and the proposed bill calls for collecting an extra 3 cents.

East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said if Michigan does not receive the federal stimulus funding, it also could jeopardize road projects that are slated for East Lansing, such as Harrison Road repairs scheduled to take place during the next three years.

“If we’re not able to get the money from places like the gas tax, we also forgo our chance of getting federal money,” he said.

“It could threaten projects, making residents drive on less-maintained roads.”

If revenue is not raised, safety will remain a No. 1 concern, but drivers will notice road conditions worsen, said Bill Shreck, director of communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation, or MDOT.

“Snow will be plowed, and potholes will still be filled,” he said.

“But as roads get older and bumpier, drivers will have to spend more money on car repairs as it deteriorates.”

Accounting senior Christina Maczka said she doesn’t drive very often, so road construction delays won’t impact her very much, but because she takes I-96 home every other week, it would get annoying.

“I’m not a fan of construction, so it bothers me,” she said. “It’s not a major inconvenience, but it’s just annoying.”